1
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Goldenberg J, Bisschop K, Bruni G, Di Nicola MR, Banfi F, Faraone FP. Melanin-based color variation in response to changing climates in snakes. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11627. [PMID: 38952653 PMCID: PMC11213819 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanism, the process of heavier melanin deposition, can interact with climate variation at both micro and macro scales, ultimately influencing color evolution in organisms. While the ecological processes regulating melanin production in relation to climate have been extensively studied, intraspecific variations of melanism are seldom considered. Such scientific gap hampers our understanding of how species adapt to rapidly changing climates. For example, dark coloration may lead to higher heat absorption and be advantageous in cool climates, but also in hot environments as a UV or antimicrobial protection mechanism. To disentangle such opposing predictions, here we examined the effect of climate on shaping melanism variation in 150 barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) and 383 green whip snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus) across Italy. By utilizing melanistic morphs (charcoal and picturata in N. helvetica, charcoal and abundistic in H. viridiflavus) and compiling observations from 2002 to 2021, we predicted that charcoal morphs in H. viridiflavus would optimize heat absorption in cold environments, while offering protection from excessive UV radiation in N. helvetica within warm habitats; whereas picturata and abundistic morphs would thrive in humid environments, which naturally have a denser vegetation and wetter substrates producing darker ambient light, thus providing concealment advantages. While picturata and abundistic morphs did not align with our initial humidity expectations, the charcoal morph in N. helvetica is associated with UV environments, suggesting protection mechanisms against damaging solar radiation. H. viridiflavus is associated with high precipitations, which might offer antimicrobial protection. Overall, our results provide insights into the correlations between melanin-based color morphs and climate variables in snake populations. While suggestive of potential adaptive responses, future research should delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms regulating this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Goldenberg
- Division of Biodiversity and Evolution, Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - K. Bisschop
- Division of Biodiversity and Evolution, Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- Laboratory of Aquatic BiologyKU Leuven KulakKortrijkBelgium
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - G. Bruni
- Independent Researcher, Viale Palmiro TogliattiSesto FiorentinoFlorenceItaly
| | - M. R. Di Nicola
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Wildlife Health GhentGhent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
- Unit of Dermatology and CosmetologyIRCCS San Raffaele HospitalMilanItaly
| | - F. Banfi
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Department of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpWilrijkBelgium
| | - F. P. Faraone
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e FarmaceuticheUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
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2
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Bjørgen H, Koppang EO. The melano-macrophage: The black leukocyte of fish immunity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 148:109523. [PMID: 38522495 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Melanin and the process of melanin synthesis or melanogenesis have central roles in the immune system of insects, and production of melanin-synthesizing enzymes from their haemocytes may be induced following activation through danger signals. Melanin-containing macrophage-like cells have been extensively studied in amphibians and they are also present in reptiles. In fish, melano-macrophages are especially recognized with respect to melano-macrophage centres (MMCs), hypothesized to be analogues of germinal centres in secondary lymphoid organs of mammals and some birds. Melano-macrophages are in addition present in several inflammatory conditions, in particular melanised focal changes, or black spots, in the musculature of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Melanins are complex compounds that may be divided into different forms which all have the ability to absorb and scatter light. Other functions include the quenching of free radicals and a direct effect on the immune system. According to the common view held in the pigment cell community, vertebrate melanin synthesis with melanosome formation may only occur in cells of ectodermal origin. However, abundant information suggests that also myeloid cells of ectothermic vertebrates may be classified as melanocytes. Here, we discuss these opposing views and review relevant literature. Finally, we review the current status on the research concerning melanised focal muscle changes that represent the most severe quality problem in Norwegian salmon production, but also other diseases where melano-macrophages play important roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håvard Bjørgen
- Unit of Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
| | - Erling Olaf Koppang
- Unit of Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway.
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3
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Lu Q, Vosberg B, Wang Z, Balasubramanian P, Sow M, Volkert C, Gonzalez Brouwer R, Lieberwirth I, Graf R, Jelezko F, Plenio MB, Wu Y, Weil T. Unraveling Eumelanin Radical Formation by Nanodiamond Optical Relaxometry in a Living Cell. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7222-7232. [PMID: 38469853 PMCID: PMC10958502 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Defect centers in a nanodiamond (ND) allow the detection of tiny magnetic fields in their direct surroundings, rendering them as an emerging tool for nanoscale sensing applications. Eumelanin, an abundant pigment, plays an important role in biology and material science. Here, for the first time, we evaluate the comproportionation reaction in eumelanin by detecting and quantifying semiquinone radicals through the nitrogen-vacancy color center. A thin layer of eumelanin is polymerized on the surface of nanodiamonds (NDs), and depending on the environmental conditions, such as the local pH value, near-infrared, and ultraviolet light irradiation, the radicals form and react in situ. By combining experiments and theoretical simulations, we quantify the local number and kinetics of free radicals in the eumelanin layer. Next, the ND sensor enters the cells via endosomal vesicles. We quantify the number of radicals formed within the eumelanin layer in these acidic compartments by applying optical relaxometry measurements. In the future, we believe that the ND quantum sensor could provide valuable insights into the chemistry of eumelanin, which could contribute to the understanding and treatment of eumelanin- and melanin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Berlind Vosberg
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute
of Theoretical Physics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and
Technology (IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Key
Laboratory of Atomic and Subatomic Structure and Quantum Control (Ministry
of Education), and School of Physics, South
China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials,
and Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Priyadharshini Balasubramanian
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Maabur Sow
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carla Volkert
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Raul Gonzalez Brouwer
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ingo Lieberwirth
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Graf
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Fedor Jelezko
- Institute
for Quantum Optics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology
(IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin B. Plenio
- Institute
of Theoretical Physics and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and
Technology (IQST), Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yingke Wu
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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4
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Roulin A, Dubey S, Ito S, Wakamatsu K. Melanin-based plumage coloration and melanin content in organs in the barn owl. JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY 2023; 165:429-438. [PMID: 38496038 PMCID: PMC10940376 DOI: 10.1007/s10336-023-02137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the evolutionary ecology of melanin pigments and melanin-based coloration has been studied in great details, particularly in birds, little is known about the function of melanin stored inside the body. In the barn owl Tyto alba, in which individuals vary in the degree of reddish pheomelanin-based coloration and in the size of black eumelanic feather spots, we measured the concentration in melanin pigments in seven organs. The eyes had by far the most melanin then the skin, pectoral muscle, heart, liver, trachea, and uropygial gland. The concentration in eumelanin was not necessarily correlated with the concentration in pheomelanin suggesting that their production can be regulated independently from each other. Redder barn owls had more pheomelanin in the skin and uropygial gland than white owls, while owls displaying larger black feather spots had more eumelanin in the skin than small-spotted owls. More data are required to evaluate whether melanin-based traits can evolve as an indirect response to selection exerted on melanin deposition in organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Roulin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Biophore Building, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- HW Romandie SA, Avenue Des Alpes 25, CH-1820 Montreux, Switzerland
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192 Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192 Japan
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5
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Wakamatsu K, Dijkstra JM, Mørkøre T, Ito S. Eumelanin Detection in Melanized Focal Changes but Not in Red Focal Changes on Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar) Fillets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16797. [PMID: 38069120 PMCID: PMC10706398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Superficial discolored spots on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets are a serious quality problem for commercial seafood farming. Previous reports have proposed that the black spots (called melanized focal changes (MFCs)) may be melanin, but no convincing evidence has been reported. In this study, we performed chemical characterization of MFCs and of red pigment (called red focal changes (RFCs)) from salmon fillets using alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation and hydroiodic acid hydrolysis. This revealed that the MFCs contain 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-derived eumelanin, whereas the RFCs contain only trace amounts of eumelanin. Therefore, it is probable that the black color of the MFCs can be explained by the presence of eumelanin from accumulated melanomacrophages. For the red pigment, we could not find a significant signature of either eumelanin or pheomelanin; the red color is probably predominantly hemorrhagic in nature. However, we found that the level of pigmentation in RFCs increased together with some melanogenic metabolites. Comparison with a "mimicking experiment", in which a mixture of a salmon homogenate + DOPA was oxidized with tyrosinase, suggested that the RFCs include conjugations of DOPAquinone and/or DOPAchrome with salmon muscle tissue proteins. In short, the results suggest that melanogenic metabolites in MFCs and RFCs derive from different chemical pathways, which would agree with the two different colorations deriving from distinct cellular origins, namely melanomacrophages and red blood cells, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan;
| | | | - Turid Mørkøre
- Department of Animal and Aquaculture Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO 1432 Ås, Norway;
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan;
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6
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Berg SZ, Berg J. Melanin: a unifying theory of disease as exemplified by Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Lewy body dementia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1228530. [PMID: 37841274 PMCID: PMC10570809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1228530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin, a ubiquitous dark pigment, plays important roles in the immune system, including scavenging reactive oxygen species formed in response to ultraviolet radiation absorption, absorbing metals, thermal regulation, drug uptake, innate immune system functions, redox, and energy transduction. Many tissue types, including brain, heart, arteries, ovaries, and others, contain melanin. Almost all cells contain precursors to melanin. A growing number of diseases in which there is a loss of melanin and/or neuromelanin are increasingly thought to have infectious etiologies, for example, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and vitiligo. AD, PD, LBD, and vitiligo have been linked with herpesvirus, which enters melanosomes and causes apoptosis, and with gut dysbiosis and inflammation. Herpesvirus is also linked with gut dysbiosis and inflammation. We theorize that under normal healthy states, melanin retains some of the energy it absorbs from electromagnetic radiation, which is then used to fuel cells, and energy from ATP is used to compliment that energy supply. We further theorize that loss of melanin reduces the energy supply of cells, which in the case of AD, PD, and LBD results in an inability to sustain immune system defenses and remove the plaques associated with the disease, which appear to be part of the immune system's attempt to eradicate the pathogens seen in these neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, in an attempt to explain why removing these plaques does not result in improvements in cognition and mood and why cognitions and moods in these individuals have ebbs and flows, we postulate that it is not the plaques that cause the cognitive symptoms but, rather, inflammation in the brain resulting from the immune system's response to pathogens. Our theory that energy retained in melanin fuels cells in an inverse relationship with ATP is supported by studies showing alterations in ATP production in relationship to melanin levels in melanomas, vitiligo, and healthy cells. Therefore, alteration of melanin levels may be at the core of many diseases. We propose regulating melanin levels may offer new avenues for treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie Z. Berg
- Department of Translational Biology, William Edwards LLC, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jonathan Berg
- Department of Translational Biology, William Edwards LLC, Baltimore, MD, United States
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7
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Riederer P, Nagatsu T, Youdim MBH, Wulf M, Dijkstra JM, Sian-Huelsmann J. Lewy bodies, iron, inflammation and neuromelanin: pathological aspects underlying Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:627-646. [PMID: 37062012 PMCID: PMC10121516 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the description of some peculiar symptoms by James Parkinson in 1817, attempts have been made to define its cause or at least to enlighten the pathology of "Parkinson's disease (PD)." The vast majority of PD subtypes and most cases of sporadic PD share Lewy bodies (LBs) as a characteristic pathological hallmark. However, the processes underlying LBs generation and its causal triggers are still unknown. ɑ-Synuclein (ɑ-syn, encoded by the SNCA gene) is a major component of LBs, and SNCA missense mutations or duplications/triplications are causal for rare hereditary forms of PD. Thus, it is imperative to study ɑ-syn protein and its pathology, including oligomerization, fibril formation, aggregation, and spreading mechanisms. Furthermore, there are synergistic effects in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of PD, and multiple factors-contributing with different ratios-appear to be causal pathological triggers and progression factors. For example, oxidative stress, reduced antioxidative capacity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and proteasomal disturbances have each been suggested to be causal for ɑ-syn fibril formation and aggregation and to contribute to neuroinflammation and neural cell death. Aging is also a major risk factor for PD. Iron, as well as neuromelanin (NM), show age-dependent increases, and iron is significantly increased in the Parkinsonian substantia nigra (SN). Iron-induced pathological mechanisms include changes of the molecular structure of ɑ-syn. However, more recent PD research demonstrates that (i) LBs are detected not only in dopaminergic neurons and glia but in various neurotransmitter systems, (ii) sympathetic nerve fibres degenerate first, and (iii) at least in "brain-first" cases dopaminergic deficiency is evident before pathology induced by iron and NM. These recent findings support that the ɑ-syn/LBs pathology as well as iron- and NM-induced pathology in "brain-first" cases are important facts of PD pathology and via their interaction potentiate the disease process in the SN. As such, multifactorial toxic processes posted on a personal genetic risk are assumed to be causal for the neurodegenerative processes underlying PD. Differences in ratios of multiple factors and their spatiotemporal development, and the fact that common triggers of PD are hard to identify, imply the existence of several phenotypical subtypes, which is supported by arguments from both the "bottom-up/dual-hit" and "brain-first" models. Therapeutic strategies are necessary to avoid single initiation triggers leading to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Riederer
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern Denmark Odense, J.B. Winslows Vey 18, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Toshiharu Nagatsu
- Center for Research Promotion and Support, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | | | - Max Wulf
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
- Medical Proteome Analysis, Center for Protein Diagnostics (PRODI), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
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8
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Terranova ML. Prominent Roles and Conflicted Attitudes of Eumelanin in the Living World. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097783. [PMID: 37175490 PMCID: PMC10178024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin, a macromolecule widespread in all the living world and long appreciated for its protective action against harmful UV radiation, is considered the beneficial component of the melanin family (ευ means good in ancient Greek). This initially limited picture has been rather recently extended and now includes a variety of key functions performed by eumelanin in order to support life also under extreme conditions. A lot of still unexplained aspects characterize this molecule that, in an evolutionary context, survived natural selection. This paper aims to emphasize the unique characteristics and the consequent unusual behaviors of a molecule that still holds the main chemical/physical features detected in fossils dating to the late Carboniferous. In this context, attention is drawn to the duality of roles played by eumelanin, which occasionally reverses its functional processes, switching from an anti-oxidant to a pro-oxidant behavior and implementing therefore harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Terranova
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Roma, Italy
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9
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D’Arcy C, Bass O, Junk P, Sevrin T, Oliviero G, Wynne K, Halasz M, Kiel C. Disease-Gene Networks of Skin Pigmentation Disorders and Reconstruction of Protein-Protein Interaction Networks. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:bioengineering10010013. [PMID: 36671585 PMCID: PMC9854651 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanin, a light and free radical absorbing pigment, is produced in melanocyte cells that are found in skin, but also in hair follicles, eyes, the inner ear, heart, brain and other organs. Melanin synthesis is the result of a complex network of signaling and metabolic reactions. It therefore comes as no surprise that mutations in many of the genes involved are associated with various types of pigmentation diseases and phenotypes ('pigmentation genes'). Here, we used bioinformatics tools to first reconstruct gene-disease/phenotype associations for all pigmentation genes. Next, we reconstructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks centered around pigmentation gene products ('pigmentation proteins') and supplemented the PPI networks with protein expression information obtained by mass spectrometry in a panel of melanoma cell lines (both pigment producing and non-pigment producing cells). The analysis provides a systems network representation of all genes/ proteins centered around pigmentation and melanin biosynthesis pathways ('pigmentation network map'). Our work will enable the pigmentation research community to experimentally test new hypothesis arising from the pigmentation network map and to identify new targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian D’Arcy
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olivia Bass
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philipp Junk
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Sevrin
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giorgio Oliviero
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kieran Wynne
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, and Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Kiel
- Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Bury S, Kolanek A, Chylarecki P, Najbar B, Kurek K, Mazgajski TD. Climatic conditions and prevalence of melanistic snakes-contrasting effects of warm springs and mild winters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:1329-1338. [PMID: 35396943 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that wildlife is facing. Rapid shifts in climatic conditions may accelerate evolutionary changes in populations as a result of strong selective pressure. Most studies focus on the impact of climatic conditions on phenologies and annual cycles, whereas there are fewer reports of empirical support for climate-driven changes in the phenotypic variability of free-living populations. We investigated whether climatic variables explain the prevalence of colour polymorphism in a population of the grass snake (Natrix natrix) with two morphotypes, the melanistic and non-melanistic ones, in the period 1981-2013. We found that the prevalence of the black phenotype was negatively related to spring temperature and winter harshness, expressed as the number of snow days. According to the thermal melanism hypothesis, a high predation rate during warmer springs may override relaxed thermal benefits and vice versa, i.e. black individuals may perform better than typical ones when thermal conditions in spring are unfavourable. In turn, because they are smaller, melanistic individuals may be exposed to a higher risk of winter mortality, particularly during longer winters. We highlight the need for more studies on the effects of climatic conditions on temporal variation in melanism prevalence in other populations and species as well as in various geographic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanisław Bury
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Opolska 41/1, 52-010, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Kolanek
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Opolska 41/1, 52-010, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Geoinformatics and Cartography, Institute of Geography and Regional Development, University of Wroclaw, pl. Uniwersytecki 1, 50-137, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Przemysław Chylarecki
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Najbar
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kurek
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz D Mazgajski
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warszawa, Poland
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11
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Moore VDG, Haenel G. Variation in melanin content of lizard livers: hybrids turning to the dark side. Physiol Biochem Zool 2022; 95:536-543. [DOI: 10.1086/721445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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12
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Thivat E, Rouanet J, Auzeloux P, Sas N, Jouberton E, Levesque S, Billoux T, Mansard S, Molnar I, Chanchou M, Fois G, Maigne L, Chezal JM, Miot-Noirault E, D’Incan M, Durando X, Cachin F. Phase I study of [131I] ICF01012, a targeted radionuclide therapy, in metastatic melanoma: MELRIV-1 protocol. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:417. [PMID: 35428211 PMCID: PMC9013026 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Benzamide-based radioligands targeting melanin were first developed for imaging melanoma and then for therapeutic purpose with targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT). [131I]ICF01012 presents a highly favorable pharmacokinetics profile in vivo for therapy. Tumour growth reduction and increase survival have been established in preclinical models of melanoma. According the these preclinical results, we initiate a first-in-human study aimed to determine the recommended dose of [131I]ICF01012 to administer for the treatment of patients with pigmented metastatic melanoma. Methods The MELRIV-1 trial is an open-label, multicentric, dose-escalation phase I trial. The study is divided in 2 steps, a selection part with an IV injection of low activity of [131I]ICF01012 (185 MBq at D0) to select patients who might benefit from [131I]ICF01012 TRT in therapeutic part, i.e. patient presenting at least one tumour lesion with [131I]ICF01012 uptake and an acceptable personalized dosimetry to critical organs (liver, kidney, lung and retina). According to dose escalation scheme driven by a Continual Reassessment Method (CRM) design, a single therapeutic injection of 800 MBq/m2, or 1600 MBq/m2, or 2700 MBq/m2 or 4000 MBq/m2 of [131I]ICF01012 will be administered at D11 (± 4 days). The primary endpoint is the recommended therapeutic dose of [131I]ICF01012, with DLT defined as any grade 3-4 NCI-CT toxicity during the 6 weeks following therapeutic dose. Safety, pharmacokinetic, biodistribution (using planar whole body and SPECT-CT acquisitions), sensitivity / specificity of [131I]ICF01012, and therapeutic efficacy will be assessed as secondary objectives. Patients who received therapeutic injection will be followed until 3 months after TRT. Since 6 to 18 patients are needed for the therapeutic part, up to 36 patients will be enrolled in the selection part. Discussion This study is a first-in-human trial evaluating the [131I]ICF01012 TRT in metastatic malignant melanomas with a diagnostic dose of the [131I]ICF01012 to select the patients who may benefit from a therapeutic dose of [131I]ICF01012, with at least one tumor lesion with [131I]ICF01012 uptake and an acceptable AD to healthy organ. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03784625. Registered on December 24, 2018. Identifier in French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM): N°EudraCT 2016-002444-17.
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13
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Panzella L, Benning K, Nesbeth DN, Setaro B, D'Errico G, Napolitano A, d'Ischia M. Identification of black sturgeon caviar pigment as eumelanin. Food Chem 2022; 373:131474. [PMID: 34731814 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reported herein is the purification of the pigment of black sturgeon caviar and its unambiguous identification as a typical eumelanin by means of chemical degradation coupled with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) evidence. HPLC and LC-MS analysis of oxidative degradation mixtures revealed the formation of pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a specific marker of eumelanin pigments, in yields compatible with a 6.5% w/w pigment content. EPR spectral features and parameters were in close agreement with those reported for a typical natural eumelanin such as Sepia melanin from squid ink. The identification for the first time of eumelanin in a fish roe is expected to provide a novel molecular basis for the valorization of black caviar and production wastes thereof in food chemistry and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Panzella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Kenneth Benning
- Caviar Biotec, 563-565 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 3BL, United Kingdom
| | - Darren N Nesbeth
- Caviar Biotec, 563-565 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 3BL, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Bernard Katz Building, London WC1H 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Brunella Setaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco d'Ischia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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14
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Kim JH, Kim TI, Ma JY. Synergistic effects of novel herbal decoctions from Panax ginseng and Morus alba on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in vitro. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08866. [PMID: 35198755 PMCID: PMC8850658 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many medicinal plants such as a Panax ginseng and Morus alba (mulberry tree) have been widely used as depigmenting agents in Asia. To maximize their synergistic effects on melanogenesis, new herbal decoctions were created by mixing Ginseng Radix Alba (GR) and Mori Radicis Cortex (MC) at a ratio of 3:2 which called GMC decoction. A decoction of GR and Mori Ramulus (MR), which called GMR, was also formulated in order to compare the anti-melanogenic capacity. Combined decoctions, GMC and GMR, significantly decreased mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro; however, single extracts, including MC and MR, showed weaker inhibitory activity. Melanin content assay and Fontana–Masson staining confirmed that two decoctions showed stronger inhibitory effects on the forskolin-induced melanin level in B16 cells, without cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that ginseng in combination with mulberry tree enhances the anti-melanogenic effect in vitro.
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15
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Zhao H, Zhang H, Chu M, Liu Y, Si Y, Yu H, Ye Y. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive cells and melanin in the mesencephalon of yugan black-bone fowl. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2022; 10:20-22. [PMID: 35433261 PMCID: PMC9012409 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_50_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aims and Objectives: Materials and Methods: Results: Conclusion:
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16
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Umar AB, Uzairu A, Shallangwa GA, Uba S. Ligand-based drug design and molecular docking simulation studies of some novel anticancer compounds on MALME-3M melanoma cell line. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-00126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Melanoma cancer causes serious health problem worldwide because of its rapid invasion to other organs and lack of satisfactory chemotherapy. The pGI50 anticancer activity values of 70 compounds from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) on MALME-3M cell line was modeled to describe the quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) of the compounds, and some selected compounds were docked.
Results
The generated QSAR model was found to be statistically significant based on the obtained values of the validation keys such as R2 (0.885), $$ {R}_{\mathrm{adjusted}}^2 $$
R
adjusted
2
(0.868), Q2cv (0.842), and $$ {R}_{pred}^2 $$
R
pred
2
(0.738) required to evaluate the strength and robustness of QSAR model. Compound 39 was selected as a template due to its good pGI50 (9.205) and was modified to design new potent compounds. The predicted pGI50 activity of the designed compounds by the built model was N1 (9.836), N2 (12.876), N3 (10.901), and N4 (11.263) respectively. These proposed compounds were docked with V600E-BRAF receptor and the result shows that, N1, N2, N3, and N4 with free binding energy (FBE) of − 11.7 kcal mol−1, − 12.8 kcal mol−1, − 12.7 kcal mol−1, and − 12.9 kcal mol−1 respectively were better than the parent structure of the template (compound 39, FBE = − 7.0 kcal mol−1) and the standard V600E-BRAF inhibitor (Vemurafenib, FBE = − 11.3 kcal mol−1). Additionally, these compounds passed the drug-likeness criteria successfully to be orally bioavailable.
Conclusion
The proposed compounds were considered optimal as their performances are comparable to vemurafenib and possessed enhanced physicochemical properties. Thus recommends further research such as synthesis, in vivo, and ex-vivo evaluation.
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17
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Ukaegbe OC, Tucker DA. The Role of Eye Color in the Emergence of Tinnitus in Silence. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 26:e407-e413. [PMID: 35846819 PMCID: PMC9282950 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Previous research suggests that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to perceive tinnitus in sustained silence.
Objective
To evaluate the association between non-cutaneous melanin as indicated by eye color and the emergence of temporary tinnitus during a brief period of silence.
Methods
A cross-section of adults grouped according to their eye color were exposed to silence. A total of 62 adults, aged 18 to 35 years (10 males, 52 females) were required to sit in silence for 10 minutes, after which they filled out a questionnaire to report their eye color and any perception of sounds in the ears or head.
Results
In total, 63% of the participants perceived tinnitus while sitting in silence, and, of these 95% perceived the tinnitus sounds within 5 minutes of sitting in silence. Though African Americans were less likely to perceive tinnitus in silence, this difference was not significant (
p
= 0.6). After a period of silence, 69% of the subjects with light-colored eyes and 58% of the dark-eyed subjects perceived tinnitus. This difference was not statistically significant (χ
2
(1) = 0.77;
p
= 0.38).
Conclusion
When exposed to reduced auditory stimulation, 3 out of 5 normal-hearing people are likely to experience tinnitus. However, there was no relationship between eye color and the perception of tinnitus in silence. Although melanin has been shown to play a role in the protection of the ear against noise trauma and the effects of age-related hearing loss, its role in the emergence of tinnitus needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyinyechi C. Ukaegbe
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu
| | - Denise A. Tucker
- Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
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18
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Reisz C, Figenshau K, Cheng AL, Elfagir A. Phenotypic and Clinical Traits That Correlate with Cognitive Impairment in Caucasian Females. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS 2021; 2:528-532. [PMID: 34841399 PMCID: PMC8617581 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2021.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Dementia affects more women than men. This suggests sex steroid-dependent structural and functional differences between male and female brains. Natural and iatrogenic changes to women's reproductive health may correlate with risk for dementia. Objective: To identify surrogate markers of key transitions within the reproductive axis that could correlate with dementia pathology in women. Specific Research Question: Could examination of the reproductive axis from birth to senescence expand our understanding of the gender predominance of dementia in women? Proxy measurements for fetal origins, reproduction, and age-related effects on estrogen-dependent tissues were collected to study dementia risk in women. Methods: Deidentified data were collected from 289 older Caucasian female patients from an out-patient clinic in Kansas City, Missouri. Women patients 65 years and older were offered the opportunity to join the study and written consent was obtained from all participants. Data were collected from 2017 to 2019. Results: Our subjects ranged in age from 65 to 98 years old, with a mean of 76 years old. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlation between dementia status and age (r = 0.219, p = 0.000), Fitzpatrick skin phototype (r = −0.141, p = 0.019), birth order (r = 0.151, p = 0.028), current height as measured in the office (r = −0.215, p = 0.001), and maximum height per patient recall (r = −0.173, p = 0.005). Results from the logistic regression model show that specific predictors of risk for dementia were age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.082 [1.034–1.132]; p = 0.0007), Fitzpatrick skin phototype 1 versus 3 (OR = 8.508 [1.075–67.313]; p = 0.0227), and current height (OR = 0.766 [0.642–0.915]; p = 0.0032). Of the four variables related to fetal origins: maternal age, number of siblings, birth order, and age difference between the subject and the next older sibling, none were found to be statistically significant. Since age is a significant predictor of risk for dementia, it was included as a covariate in the aforementioned logistic regression models. Conclusions: Our results showed that dementia in Caucasian women was associated with age, lower Fitzpatrick phototype, and current height. Dementia-related pathological processes in the brain may accrue over a woman's lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Reisz
- Department of Medicine and University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Karen Figenshau
- Department of Medicine and University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - An-Lin Cheng
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Abdelmoneim Elfagir
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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19
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Melanin, lipofuscin and the effects of visible light in the skin. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpap.2021.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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20
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Decoding the Evolution of Melanin in Vertebrates. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:430-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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21
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Wakamatsu K, Zippin JH, Ito S. Chemical and biochemical control of skin pigmentation with special emphasis on mixed melanogenesis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:730-747. [PMID: 33751833 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are widely distributed in animals and plants; in vertebrates, most melanins are present on the body surface. The diversity of pigmentation in vertebrates is mainly attributed to the quantity and ratio of eumelanin and pheomelanin synthesis. Most natural melanin pigments in animals consist of both eumelanin and pheomelanin in varying ratios, and thus, their combined synthesis is called "mixed melanogenesis." Gene expression is an established mechanism for controlling melanin synthesis; however, there are multiple factors that affect melanin synthesis besides gene expression. Due to the differential sensitivity of the eumelanin and pheomelanin synthetic pathways to pH, melanosomal pH likely plays a major role in mixed melanogenesis. Here, we focused on various factors affecting mixed melanogenesis including (1) chemical regulation of melanin synthesis, (2) melanosomal pH regulation during normal melanogenesis and effect on mixed melanogenesis, and (3) mechanisms of melanosomal pH control (proton pumps, channels, transporters, and signaling pathways).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Jonathan H Zippin
- Department of Dermatology, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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22
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The Neuromelanin Paradox and Its Dual Role in Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010124. [PMID: 33467040 PMCID: PMC7829956 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increasing dysfunction of key brain homeostasis mechanisms and represents the main risk factor across most neurodegenerative disorders. However, the degree of dysregulation and the affectation of specific pathways set apart normal aging from neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, the neuronal metabolism of catecholaminergic neurotransmitters appears to be a specifically sensitive pathway that is affected in different neurodegenerations. In humans, catecholaminergic neurons are characterized by an age-related accumulation of neuromelanin (NM), rendering the soma of the neurons black. This intracellular NM appears to serve as a very efficient quencher for toxic molecules. However, when a neuron degenerates, NM is released together with its load (many undegraded cellular components, transition metals, lipids, xenobiotics) contributing to initiate and worsen an eventual immune response, exacerbating the oxidative stress, ultimately leading to the neurodegenerative process. This review focuses on the analysis of the role of NM in normal aging and neurodegeneration related to its capabilities as an antioxidant and scavenging of harmful molecules, versus its involvement in oxidative stress and aberrant immune response, depending on NM saturation state and its extracellular release.
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23
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Bury S, Mazgajski TD, Najbar B, Zając B, Kurek K. Melanism, body size, and sex ratio in snakes-new data on the grass snake (Natrix natrix) and synthesis. Naturwissenschaften 2020; 107:22. [PMID: 32399792 PMCID: PMC7217809 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It is postulated that melanism in ectotherms is adaptive by enhancing thermoregulation, subsequent resource acquisition, and growth. Such effects may differ between the sexes as a result of the differential costs of self-maintenance and reproduction, but empirical support for the sex-specific consequences of melanism remains inconsistent. We studied the effects of melanism on body size and sex ratio in a population of the European grass snake (Natrix natrix) in SE Poland and also carried out a systematic review of the literature on the consequences of melanism in terrestrial snakes. Melanistic grass snakes of both sexes appeared to be smaller than the typical phenotype, which indicates higher predation pressure and minimal thermal benefits for black individuals. A female-biased sex ratio was observed in the typical phenotype, but not in melanistic snakes, suggesting that the costs for females and/or benefits for males are higher in melanistic individuals. In conjunction with earlier studies, our data indicate that the consequences of melanism may be related to the reproductive mode of species. In viviparous species, melanism tends to improve growth and/or body size and is more frequent in females, whereas the opposite holds for oviparous snakes. Further studies on melanism should examine a wider array of species with different reproductive strategies and traits beyond the usual thermal benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanisław Bury
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Legnicka 65, 54-206, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Tomasz D Mazgajski
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Najbar
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Zając
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kurek
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
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24
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Pinheiro FL, Prado G, Ito S, Simon JD, Wakamatsu K, Anelli LE, Andrade JAF, Glass K. Chemical characterization of pterosaur melanin challenges color inferences in extinct animals. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15947. [PMID: 31685890 PMCID: PMC6828676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanosomes (melanin-bearing organelles) are common in the fossil record occurring as dense packs of globular microbodies. The organic component comprising the melanosome, melanin, is often preserved in fossils, allowing identification of the chemical nature of the constituent pigment. In present-day vertebrates, melanosome morphology correlates with their pigment content in selected melanin-containing structures, and this interdependency is employed in the color reconstruction of extinct animals. The lack of analyses integrating the morphology of fossil melanosomes with the chemical identification of pigments, however, makes these inferences tentative. Here, we chemically characterize the melanin content of the soft tissue headcrest of the pterosaur Tupandactylus imperator by alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation followed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrate the unequivocal presence of eumelanin in T. imperator headcrest. Scanning electron microscopy followed by statistical analyses, however, reveal that preserved melanosomes containing eumelanin are undistinguishable to pheomelanin-bearing organelles of extant vertebrates. Based on these new findings, straightforward color inferences based on melanosome morphology may not be valid for all fossil vertebrates, and color reconstructions based on ultrastructure alone should be regarded with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe L Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Paleobiologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, 97300-162, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Prado
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | | | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Medical Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Luiz E Anelli
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A F Andrade
- Centro de Pesquisas Paleontológicas da Chapada do Araripe, Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral, 63100-440, Crato, Brazil
| | - Keely Glass
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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25
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Tissue-specific geometry and chemistry of modern and fossilized melanosomes reveal internal anatomy of extinct vertebrates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17880-17889. [PMID: 31427524 PMCID: PMC6731645 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820285116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports of nonintegumentary melanosomes in fossils hint at functions for melanin beyond color production, but the biology and evolution of internal melanins are poorly understood. Our results show that internal melanosomes are widespread in diverse fossil and modern vertebrates and have tissue-specific geometries and metal chemistries. Tissue-specific chemical signatures can persist in fossils despite some diagenetic overprint, allowing the reconstruction of internal soft-tissue anatomy in fossil vertebrates, and suggest that links between melanin and metal regulation have deep evolutionary origins in vertebrates. Recent discoveries of nonintegumentary melanosomes in extant and fossil amphibians offer potential insights into the physiological functions of melanin not directly related to color production, but the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary history of these internal melanosomes has not been characterized systematically. Here, we present a holistic method to discriminate among melanized tissues by analyzing the anatomical distribution, morphology, and chemistry of melanosomes in various tissues in a phylogenetically broad sample of extant and fossil vertebrates. Our results show that internal melanosomes in all extant vertebrates analyzed have tissue-specific geometries and elemental signatures. Similar distinct populations of preserved melanosomes in phylogenetically diverse vertebrate fossils often map onto specific anatomical features. This approach also reveals the presence of various melanosome-rich internal tissues in fossils, providing a mechanism for the interpretation of the internal anatomy of ancient vertebrates. Collectively, these data indicate that vertebrate melanins share fundamental physiological roles in homeostasis via the scavenging and sequestering of metals and suggest that intimate links between melanin and metal metabolism in vertebrates have deep evolutionary origins.
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26
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Xu M, Huang J, Shi Y, Zhang H, He M. Comparative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of yellow shell and black shell pearl oysters, Pinctada fucata martensii. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:469. [PMID: 31176356 PMCID: PMC6555990 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5807-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii (Pfu.), widely cultured in the South China Sea, is a precious source of sea pearls and calcifying materials. A yellow shell variety of Pfu. was obtained after years of artificial breeding. To identify differentially expressed genes between yellow shell and normal black shell pearl oysters, we performed transcriptomic sequencing and proteomic analyses using mantle edge tissues. RESULTS A total of 56,969 unigenes were obtained from transcriptomic, of which 21,610 were annotated, including 385 annotated significant up-regulated genes and 227 significant down-regulated genes in yellow shell oysters (| log2 (fold change) | ≥2 and false discovery rate < 0.001). Tyrosine metabolism, calcium signalling pathway, phototransduction, melanogenesis pathways and rhodopsin related Gene Ontology (GO) terms were enriched with significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in transcriptomic. Proteomic sequencing identified 1769 proteins, of which 51 were significantly differentially expressed in yellow shell oysters. Calmodulin, N66 matrix protein, nacre protein and Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor were up-regulated in yellow shell oysters at both mRNA and protein levels, while glycine-rich protein shematrin-2, mantle gene 4, and sulphide: quinone oxidoreductase were down-regulated at two omics levels. Particularly, calmodulin, nacre protein N16.3, mantle gene 4, sulphide: quinone oxidoreductase, tyrosinase-like protein 3, cytochrome P450 3A were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Yellow shell oysters possessed higher total carotenoid content (TCC) compared than black shell oyster based on spectrophotography. CONCLUSIONS The yellow phenotype of pearl oysters, characterised by higher total carotenoids content, may reflect differences in retinal and rhodopsin metabolism, melanogenesis, calcium signalling pathway and biomineralisation. These results provide insights for exploring the relationships between calcium regulation, biomineralisation and yellow shell colour pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Maoxian He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China.
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Jouberton E, Perrot Y, Dirat B, Billoux T, Auzeloux P, Cachin F, Chezal J, Filaire M, Labarre P, Miot‐Noirault E, Millardet C, Valla C, Vidal A, Degoul F, Maigne L. Radiation dosimetry of [
131
I]ICF01012 in rabbits: Application to targeted radionuclide therapy for human melanoma treatment. Med Phys 2018; 45:5251-5262. [DOI: 10.1002/mp.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Jouberton
- Centre Jean Perrin Clermont‐Ferrand F‐63011 France
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Yann Perrot
- Université Clermont Auvergne CNRS/IN2P3 Laboratoire de Physique de Clermont UMR6533 4 Avenue Blaise Pascal TSA 60026 CS 60026 63178 Aubière Cedex France
| | - Béatrice Dirat
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | | | - Philippe Auzeloux
- Centre Jean Perrin Clermont‐Ferrand F‐63011 France
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Florent Cachin
- Centre Jean Perrin Clermont‐Ferrand F‐63011 France
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Jean‐Michel Chezal
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Marc Filaire
- Centre Jean Perrin Clermont‐Ferrand F‐63011 France
| | - Pierre Labarre
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Elisabeth Miot‐Noirault
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | | | - Clémence Valla
- Centre Jean Perrin Clermont‐Ferrand F‐63011 France
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Aurélien Vidal
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Françoise Degoul
- Université Clermont Auvergne INSERM Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques UMR1240 58 Rue Montalembert 63 005 Clermont‐Ferrand CedexFrance
| | - Lydia Maigne
- Université Clermont Auvergne CNRS/IN2P3 Laboratoire de Physique de Clermont UMR6533 4 Avenue Blaise Pascal TSA 60026 CS 60026 63178 Aubière Cedex France
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Oliveira SE, Costa PM, Nascimento SB, Castro WV, Ribeiro RIMDA, Santos HB, Thomé RG. Atrazine promotes immunomodulation by melanomacrophage centre alterations in spleen and vascular disorders in gills from Oreochromis niloticus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 202:57-64. [PMID: 30007155 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine is a herbicide that is banned in Europe but remains widely used on different types of crops in several countries in the American continent. Atrazine is known to be an endocrine disruptor and its effects on gonads have been extensively reported, but the toxic action on other organs is poorly documented. In this paper, we investigated the toxicity of atrazine on the gills and spleens of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The median lethal concentration (LC50), capable of killing one-half of the test animals was calculated, and sublethal concentrations of atrazine were used in a semistatic and subchronic assay. The following four experimental groups were formed: control not exposed to atrazine, a group exposed to 1 ppm atrazine for 15 days, a group exposed to 2 ppm for 7 days, and a group exposed to 2 ppm for 15 days. The concentrations were verified during the study by high performance liquid chromatography. The gills and spleens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and histopathological findings were made. The Perls technique was used on the spleens to identify hemosiderin, lipofuscin, and melanin pigments in the cells from melanomacrophage centres (MMCs). The spleens were submitted to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunohistochemistry, and morphometry was used to assess splenocyte proliferation and melanomacrophage iNOS expression. Finally, a colorimetric assay for caspase-3 was performed on the spleens to identify apoptosis. Vascular and structural alterations, such as venous sinus congestion, aneurysm, hemorrhage, pillar cell hypertrophy, disarrangement of secondary lamellae, and epithelial lifting were observed in the gills. The frequency of individuals with aneurysms was higher in the groups treated with 2 ppm than in other groups. Atrazine had an immunomodulatory effect on the spleen, observed by the alteration in the percentage of red and white pulp, alteration of the MMC area, changes in the melanomacrophage pigment content, slight iNOS suppression, decrease in splenocyte proliferation under 1 ppm atrazine, and increased caspase 3 activity under 2 ppm atrazine after 7 and 15 d. Such effects could compromise oxygenation and the immune response and, ultimately, the survival and fitness of the fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Elisa Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pauliane Melo Costa
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sara Batista Nascimento
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório Central Analítica, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Whocely Victor Castro
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório Central Analítica, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Patologia Experimental, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hélio Batista Santos
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ralph Gruppi Thomé
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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San-Jose LM, Roulin A. Toward Understanding the Repeated Occurrence of Associations between Melanin-Based Coloration and Multiple Phenotypes. Am Nat 2018; 192:111-130. [PMID: 30016163 DOI: 10.1086/698010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is the most widespread pigment in organisms. Melanin-based coloration has been repeatedly observed to be associated with the same traits and in the same direction in different vertebrate and insect species. However, whether any factors that are common to different taxa account for the repeated evolution of melanin-phenotype associations remains unclear. We propose to approach this question from the perspective of convergent and parallel evolution to clarify to what extent different species have evolved the same associations owing to a shared genetic basis and being subjected to similar selective pressures. Our current understanding of the genetic basis of melanin-phenotype associations allows for both convergent and parallel evolution, but this understanding is still limited. Further research is needed to clarify the generality and interdependencies of the different proposed mechanisms (supergenes, pleiotropy based on hormones, or neural crest cells). The general ecological scenarios whereby melanin-based coloration is under selection-protection from ultraviolet radiation, thermoregulation in cold environments, or as a signal of social status-offer a good opportunity to study how melanin-phenotype associations evolve. Reviewing these scenarios shows that some traits associated with melanin-based coloration might be selected together with coloration by also favoring adaptation but that other associated traits might impede adaptation, which may be indicative of genetic constraints. We therefore encourage further research on the relative roles that selection and genetic constraints play in shaping multiple melanin-phenotype associations. Placed into a phylogenetic context, this will help clarify to what extent these associations result from convergent or parallel evolutionary processes and why melanin-phenotype associations are so common across the tree of life.
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30
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Li G, Xiong H, Xi D, Memon S, Wang L, Liu X, Deng W. An examination of melanogenic traits and <i>TYRP1</i> polymorphism in Nanping and Romney Marsh sheep breeds. Arch Anim Breed 2018. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-61-131-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The effects of mutations of the gene for tyrosinase-related
protein 1 (TYRP1) on the black muscles and coat color in Nanping
black-boned sheep were investigated. Tyrosinase activity and melanin content
in plasma were measured and compared in three random groups of sheep: Nanping
black-boned (101 heads), Nanping normal (106 heads) and Romney Marsh sheep
(82 heads, Ovis aries). Eight exons and their partial flanking
regions of the TYRP1 gene were amplified. Six intronic mutations and
six exonic polymorphisms including two non-synonymous mutations [c.203C > T
(p.A68V) and c.1202T > C (p.V401A)] were identified. Using a
bi-directional polymerase chain reaction allele-specific amplification
(bi-PASA) of the mutation c.203C > T it was shown that the frequencies of
allele C in the Nanping black-boned, Nanping normal and Romney Marsh sheep
were respectively 0.955, 0.967 and 0.744. For the mutation c.1202T > C,
the frequencies of allele T in the three populations of sheep were
respectively 0.777, 0.745 and 0.793 as measured using the single-strand
conformation polymorphism. When the data from sheep of all three populations
with the CC genotype of SNP c.203C > T were pooled, it was found that there
was significantly higher (P < 0.05) tyrosinase activity, content of
alkali-soluble melanin and ratio of eumelanin : total melanin than
in the plasma of sheep with the CT and TT genotypes. This was not so within each
of the three groups of sheep. No significant effect of the TRYP1
genotype on coat color was found. Further studies will be necessary to
determine the cause of the black traits in Nanping black-boned sheep.
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Ito S, Miyake S, Maruyama S, Suzuki I, Commo S, Nakanishi Y, Wakamatsu K. Acid hydrolysis reveals a low but constant level of pheomelanin in human black to brown hair. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 31:393-403. [PMID: 29171182 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported a constant ratio of the benzothiazole pheomelanin marker thiazole-2,4,5-tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) to the eumelanin marker pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) in eumelanic, black human hair. A constant level (20%-25%) of benzothiazole-type pheomelanin was recently demonstrated in human skin with varying concentrations of melanin. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the origin of pheomelanin markers in black to brown human hair by developing a method to remove protein components from hair by heating with 6 M HCl at 110°C for 16 hr. For comparison, synthetic melanins were prepared by oxidizing mixtures of varying ratios of dopa and cysteine with tyrosinase. Hair melanins and synthetic melanins were subjected to acid hydrolysis followed by alkaline H2 O2 oxidation. The results show that the hydrolysis leads to decarboxylation of the 5,6-di-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid moiety in eumelanin and the benzothiazole moiety in pheomelanin and that eumelanic human hair contains 11%-17% benzothiazole-type pheomelanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shosuke Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Stéphane Commo
- L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Yukiko Nakanishi
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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32
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Lin BM, Li WQ, Curhan SG, Stankovic KM, Qureshi AA, Curhan GC. Skin Pigmentation and Risk of Hearing Loss in Women. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 186:1-10. [PMID: 28525626 PMCID: PMC5860009 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Black individuals have a lower risk of hearing loss than do whites, possibly because of differences in cochlear melanocytes. Previous studies have suggested that darker-skinned individuals tend to have more inner ear melanin, and cochlear melanocytes are important in generating the endocochlear potential. We investigated the relationship between self-reported hearing loss and skin pigmentation by using hair color, skin tanning ability, and skin reaction to prolonged sun exposure as surrogate measures of pigmentation among 49,323 white women in the Nurses' Health Study. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. During 1,190,170 person-years of follow-up (1982-2012), there was no association between risk of hearing loss and hair color (for black hair vs. red or blonde hair, multivariable-adjusted relative risk (RR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90, 1.09), skin tanning ability (for dark tan vs. no tan, multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.05), skin reaction to prolonged sun exposure (for painful burn with blisters vs. practically no reaction, multivariable-adjusted RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.08), or Fitzpatrick skin phototype (for type IV vs. type I, multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.05). In our cohort of white women, surrogates for skin pigmentation were not associated with risk of hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Lin
- Correspondence to Dr. Brian Min-Hann Lin, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (e-mail: )
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San-Jose LM, Huyghe K, Schuerch J, Fitze PS. More melanized males bite stronger but run slower: potential performance trade-offs related to melanin-based coloration. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Sales CF, Silva RF, Amaral MGC, Domingos FFT, Ribeiro RIMA, Thomé RG, Santos HB. Comparative histology in the liver and spleen of three species of freshwater teleost. NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20160041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We describe and compare the histology of liver and spleen ofGeophagus brasiliensis (Perciformes), Hypostomus francisci (Siluriformes) and Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Characiformes), tropical freshwater fishes. InG. brasiliensisandH. aff. malabaricusthe hepatocytes were arranged in tubular form whereas in H. franciscithey cord-like. In all species, hepatocytes presented glycogen, but in G. brasiliensis and H. aff. malabaricus they showed strong stained for hemossiderin in the cytoplasm. InG. brasiliensis and H. aff. malabaricus, melanomacrophage centres (MMCs) were associated to hepatic structures and only in G. brasiliensis was observed intrahepatic exocrine pancreas. The spleen, in all species, was characterized by red and white pulp without boundary between the two regions, but only in H. francisci was recorded nodular organization in splenic parenchyma. The G. brasiliensisandH. aff. malabaricuspresented in the white pulp MMCs linked mainly to ellipsoids. Besides, we observed large MMCs in the spleen in relation to liver of G. brasiliensis and H. aff. malabaricus. In liver, highest values of reticular fibers and collagen were observed inG. brasiliensis. In spleen, highest values of reticular fibers and collagen were recorded inH. aff. malabaricusandH. francisci, respectively. Histological differences confirm the hypothesis that the phylogenetic distance is reflected in liver and spleen.
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35
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Lai C, Healy E. The Warthin-Starry stain for detection of cutaneous melanin: more than a historical curiosity. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:763-4. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chester Lai
- Dermatopharmacology; Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton UK
- Dermatology; University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; Southampton UK
| | - Eugene Healy
- Dermatopharmacology; Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton UK
- Dermatology; University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; Southampton UK
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36
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Lindgren J, Moyer A, Schweitzer MH, Sjövall P, Uvdal P, Nilsson DE, Heimdal J, Engdahl A, Gren JA, Schultz BP, Kear BP. Interpreting melanin-based coloration through deep time: a critical review. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20150614. [PMID: 26290071 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour, derived primarily from melanin and/or carotenoid pigments, is integral to many aspects of behaviour in living vertebrates, including social signalling, sexual display and crypsis. Thus, identifying biochromes in extinct animals can shed light on the acquisition and evolution of these biological traits. Both eumelanin and melanin-containing cellular organelles (melanosomes) are preserved in fossils, but recognizing traces of ancient melanin-based coloration is fraught with interpretative ambiguity, especially when observations are based on morphological evidence alone. Assigning microbodies (or, more often reported, their 'mouldic impressions') as melanosome traces without adequately excluding a bacterial origin is also problematic because microbes are pervasive and intimately involved in organismal degradation. Additionally, some forms synthesize melanin. In this review, we survey both vertebrate and microbial melanization, and explore the conflicts influencing assessment of microbodies preserved in association with ancient animal soft tissues. We discuss the types of data used to interpret fossil melanosomes and evaluate whether these are sufficient for definitive diagnosis. Finally, we outline an integrated morphological and geochemical approach for detecting endogenous pigment remains and associated microstructures in multimillion-year-old fossils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lindgren
- Department of Geology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Alison Moyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Mary H Schweitzer
- Department of Geology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
| | - Peter Sjövall
- SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Chemistry, Materials and Surfaces, 501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Per Uvdal
- MAX-IV laboratory, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden Chemical Physics, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Dan E Nilsson
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Heimdal
- MAX-IV laboratory, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Johan A Gren
- Department of Geology, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Benjamin P Kear
- Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden Palaeobiology Programme, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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37
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Cattin L, Schuerch J, Salamin N, Dubey S. Why are some species older than others? A large-scale study of vertebrates. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:90. [PMID: 27142042 PMCID: PMC4855795 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0646-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong variations are observed between and within taxonomic groups in the age of extant species and these differences can clarify factors that render species more vulnerable to extinction. Understanding the factors that influence the resilience of species is thus a key component of evolutionary biology, but it is also of prime importance in a context of climate change and for conservation in general. We explored the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the timing of the oldest diversification event in over 600 vertebrate species distributed worldwide. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to show that color polymorphism, latitude and reproduction (the latter through its interaction with latitude) affected the timing of the oldest diversification event within a species. RESULTS Species from higher latitudes tended to be younger, and colour-polymorphic species were older than monomorphic species. Mode of reproduction was important also, in that the age of oviparous species decreased with latitude, whereas no pattern was apparent for viviparous species. Organisms which have already persisted for a long time may be more likely to deal with future modifications of their environment. CONCLUSIONS Species that are colour polymorphic, viviparous, and/or live at low latitudes have exhibited resilience to past environmental changes, and hence may be better able to deal with current climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Cattin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johan Schuerch
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Salamin
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore Building, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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38
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Williams ST. Molluscan shell colour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1039-1058. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Hao S, Hou X, Wei L, Li J, Li Z, Wang X. Extraction and Identification of the Pigment in the Adductor Muscle Scar of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142439. [PMID: 26555720 PMCID: PMC4640808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared radiation) spectral analysis were integrated to identify the pigment in the adductor muscle scar of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. The pigment was extracted from the adductor muscle scars of cleaned oyster shells that were pulverized, hydrolyzed in hot hydrochloric acid, purified with diethyl ether, and dissolved in 0.01 mL/L NaOH. The maximum absorption of the pigment in the UV absorption spectrum within the range of 190-500 nm was observed between 210-220 nm. The UV absorbance decreased with increasing wavelength which was consistent with the UV spectral absorption characteristics of melanin. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy scanning revealed characteristic absorption peaks that emerged near 3440 cm-1 and 1630 cm-1, which was consistent with infrared scanning features of eumelanin (a type of melanin). This study has demonstrated for the first time that the pigment in the adductor muscle scar of the Pacific oyster is melanin, hinting that the adductor muscle could be another organ pigmenting the mollusc shell with melanin other than mantle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Hao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Zhonghu Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
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Muri D, Schuerch J, Trim N, Golay J, Baillifard A, El Taher A, Dubey S. Thermoregulation and microhabitat choice in the polymorphic asp viper (Vipera aspis). J Therm Biol 2015; 53:107-12. [PMID: 26590462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In ectotherms, thermoregulation strongly depends on environmental conditions, as well as on intrinsic factors, such as skin colour. Indeed, due to its physical properties, melanin pigments allow melanistic morphs to benefit of a more efficient thermoregulation compared to non-melanistic ones. Despite thermal benefits of melanism have often been highlighted under experimental conditions, such field data remain scarce. In this study, we investigated the influence of colouration on body temperature and microhabitat choice in a montane population of colour polymorphic asp viper (Vipera aspis) characterized by a strong presence of melanism (64%). Results highlighted a difference in internal body temperature, but only within gravid females, with melanistic individuals having higher body temperatures compared to non-melanistic ones. No differences were found when considering both sexes. We also showed that melanistic and non-melanistic vipers were found in different microhabitat types, i.e. melanistic snakes used areas marked by a scarcer sun exposure and by higher vegetation cover compared to non-melanistic ones. This result has important implications. Indeed, besides providing a possible explanation for the lack of difference in body temperature (except for gravid females), it confirms that melanistic individuals can potentially use their efficient thermoregulation in order to inhabit less exposed and thermally unfavourable microhabitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Muri
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johan Schuerch
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Naïke Trim
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Golay
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Baillifard
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Athimed El Taher
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Dubey
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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El-Maklizi MA, Ouf A, Ferreira A, Hedar S, Cruz-Rivera E. A localized PCR inhibitor in a porcelain crab suggests a protective role. PeerJ 2014; 2:e689. [PMID: 25493214 PMCID: PMC4260131 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors have been identified from biological and environmental samples. By and large, such substances are treated as random nuisances and contaminants with alternate functions; their inhibitory effects on DNA replication being a coincidental property of their molecular structure. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a localized PCR inhibitor in the foregut of the porcelain crab Petrolisthes rufescens (Anomura: Porcellanidae) from the Red Sea. The inhibitor precluded amplification of 28s, 16s and 18s gene sequences effectively but lost activity at 10(-2) dilutions from initial concentration. Heat treatment was ineffective in arresting inhibition and spectrophotometric techniques suggested that the inhibitor was not a melanin-type compound. The compound was not detected from midgut, hindgut, or gills of the crab. Activity of the inhibitor was precluded when samples were treated with suspensions from the midgut, suggesting that enzymatic degradation of the inhibitor likely happens at that part of the gut. As many microbial pathogens invade their hosts via ingestion, we suggest the presence of the localized inhibitor could carry a defensive or immunological role for P. rufescens. The identity of the inhibitory molecule remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amged Ouf
- Biology Department, The American University in Cairo , New Cairo , Egypt ; Biotechnology Program, The American University in Cairo , New Cairo , Egypt
| | - Ari Ferreira
- Biotechnology Program, The American University in Cairo , New Cairo , Egypt
| | - Shahyn Hedar
- Biology Department, The American University in Cairo , New Cairo , Egypt
| | - Edwin Cruz-Rivera
- Biological Sciences Program, Asian University for Women , Chittagong , Bangladesh
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