1
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Hu B, Yu H, Du S, Li Q. Protoporphyrin IX metabolism mediated via translocator protein (CgTspO) involved in orange shell coloration of pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:134020. [PMID: 39038584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Mollusc shell color polymorphism is influenced by various factors. Pigments secreted in vivo by animals play a critical role in shell coloration. Among the different shell-color hues, orange pigmentation has been partially attributed to porphyrins. However, the detailed causal relationship between porphyrins and orange-shell phenotype in molluscs remains largely unexplored. The various strains of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) with different shell color provide useful models to study the molecular regulation of mollusc coloration. Accordingly, oysters with orange and gold-shells, exhibiting distinct porphyrin distributions, were selected for analysis of total metabolites and gene expression profile through mantle metabolomic and transcriptomic studies. Translocator protein (TspO) and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) were identified as potential factors influencing oyster shell-color. The concentration of PPIX was measured using HPLC, while expression profiling of CgTspO was analyzed by qPCR, in situ hybridization, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques. Moreover, the roles of CgTspO in regulating PPIX metabolism and affecting the orange-shell-coloration were investigated in vitro and in vivo. These studies indicate that PPIX and its associated metabolic protein, CgTspO may serve as new regulators of orange-shell-coloration in C. gigas. Data of this study offer new insights into oyster shell coloration and enhancing understandings of mollusc shell color polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shaojun Du
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
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2
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Jiang K, Xu C, Yu H, Kong L, Liu S, Li Q. Transcriptomic and Physiological Analysis Reveal Melanin Synthesis-Related Genes and Pathways in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 26:364-379. [PMID: 38483671 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Shell color is one of the shell traits of molluscs, which has been regarded as an economic trait in some bivalves. Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are important aquaculture shellfish worldwide. In the past decade, several shell color strains of C. gigas were developed through selective breeding, which provides valuable materials for research on the inheritance pattern and regulation mechanisms of shell color. The inheritance patterns of different shell colors in C. gigas have been identified in certain research; however, the regulation mechanism of oyster pigmentation and shell color formation remains unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptomic and physiological analyses using black and white shell oysters to investigate the molecular mechanism of melanin synthesis in C. gigas. Several pigmentation-related pathways, such as cytochrome P450, melanogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, and the cAMP signaling pathway were found. The majority of differentially expressed genes and some signaling molecules from these pathways exhibited a higher level in the black shell oysters than in the white, especially after L-tyrosine feeding, suggesting that those differences may cause a variation of tyrosine metabolism and melanin synthesis. In addition, the in vitro assay using primary cells from mantle tissue showed that L-tyrosine incubation increased cAMP level, gene and protein expression, and melanin content. This study reveals the difference in tyrosine metabolism and melanin synthesis in black and white shell oysters and provides evidence for the potential regulatory mechanism of shell color in oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chengxun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lingfeng Kong
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Shikai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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3
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Gefaell J, Galindo J, Rolán‐Alvarez E. Shell color polymorphism in marine gastropods. Evol Appl 2023; 16:202-222. [PMID: 36793692 PMCID: PMC9923496 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine gastropods are characterized by an incredible variation in shell color. In this review, we aim to introduce researchers to previous studies of shell color polymorphism in this group of animals, trying to provide an overview of the topic and highlighting some potential avenues for future research. For this, we tackle the different aspects of shell color polymorphism in marine gastropods: its biochemical and genetic basis, its patterns of spatial and temporal distribution, as well as its potential evolutionary causes. In particular, we put special emphasis on the evolutionary studies that have been conducted so far to reveal the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of shell color polymorphism in this group of animals, as it constitutes the least addressed aspect in existing literature reviews. Several general conclusions can be drawn from our review: First, natural selection is commonly involved in the maintenance of gastropod color polymorphism; second, although the contribution of neutral forces (gene flow-genetic drift equilibrium) to shell color polymorphism maintenance do not seem to be particularly important, it has rarely been studied systematically; third, a relationship between shell color polymorphism and mode of larval development (related to dispersal capability) may exist. As for future studies, we suggest that a combination of both classical laboratory crossing experiments and -Omics approaches may yield interesting results on the molecular basis of color polymorphism. We believe that understanding the various causes of shell color polymorphism in marine gastropods is of great importance not only to understand how biodiversity works, but also for protecting such biodiversity, as knowledge of its evolutionary causes may help implement conservation measures in those species or ecosystems that are threatened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gefaell
- Departamento de BioquímicaGenética e InmunologíaCentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
| | - Juan Galindo
- Departamento de BioquímicaGenética e InmunologíaCentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
| | - Emilio Rolán‐Alvarez
- Departamento de BioquímicaGenética e InmunologíaCentro de Investigación MariñaUniversidade de VigoVigoSpain
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4
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Williams ST, Noone ES, Smith LM, Sumner-Rooney L. Evolutionary loss of shell pigmentation, pattern, and eye structure in deep-sea snails in the dysphotic zone. Evolution 2022; 76:3026-3040. [PMID: 36221215 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14647] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Adaptations to habitats lacking light, such as the reduction or loss of eyes and pigmentation, have fascinated biologists for centuries, yet have rarely been studied in the deep sea, the earth's oldest and largest light-limited habitat. Here, we investigate the evolutionary loss of shell pigmentation, pattern, and eye structure across a family of deep-sea gastropods (Solariellidae). We show that within our phylogenetic framework, loss of these traits evolves without reversal, at different rates (faster for shell traits than eye structure), and over different depth ranges. Using a Bayesian approach, we find support for correlated evolution of trait loss with increasing depth within the dysphotic region. A transition to trait loss occurs for pattern and eye structure at 400-500 m and for pigmentation at 600-700 m. We also show that one of the sighted, shallow-water species, Ilanga navakaensis, which may represent the "best-case" scenario for vision for the family, likely has poor spatial acuity and contrast sensitivity. We therefore propose that pigmentation and pattern are not used for intraspecific communication but are important for camouflage from visual predators, and that the low-resolution vision of solariellids is likely to require high light intensity for basic visual tasks, such as detecting predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne T Williams
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Emily S Noone
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Marie Smith
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.,Current Address: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Lauren Sumner-Rooney
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Biodiversity and Evolution, DE-10115, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Xiao Q, Gan Y, Yu F, Boamah GA, Shen Y, Wang Y, Huang Z, You W, Luo X, Ke C. Study of hybrid and backcross abalone populations uncovers trait separation and their thermal resistance capacity. AQUACULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 53:2619-2628. [DOI: 10.1111/are.15779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Qizhen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Yang Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Feng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Grace Afumwaa Boamah
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Yawei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Zekun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Weiwei You
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Xuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
| | - Caihuan Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science College of Ocean and Earth Sciences Xiamen University Xiamen China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Marine Organisms Xiamen University Xiamen China
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6
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Bonnard M, Boury B, Parrot I. Xanthurenic Acid in the Shell Purple Patterns of Crassostrea gigas: First Evidence of an Ommochrome Metabolite in a Mollusk Shell. Molecules 2021; 26:7263. [PMID: 34885845 PMCID: PMC8658808 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ommochromes are one of the least studied groups of natural pigments, frequently confused with melanin and, so far, exclusively found in invertebrates such as cephalopods and butterflies. In this study focused on the purple color of the shells of a mollusk, Crassostrea gigas, the first evidence of a metabolite of ommochromes, xanthurenic acid (XA), was obtained by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). In addition to XA and various porphyrins previously identified, a second group of high molecular weight acid-soluble pigments (HMASP) has been identified with physicochemical and structural characteristics similar to those of ommochromes. In addition, fragmentation of HMASP by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has revealed a substructure common to XA and ommochromes of the ommatin type. Furthermore, the presence of melanins was excluded by the absence of characteristic by-products among the oxidation residues of HMASP. Altogether, these results show that the purple color of the shells of Crassostrea gigas is a complex association of porphyrins and ommochromes of potentially ommatin or ommin type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Bonnard
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France;
- TARBOURIECH-MEDITHAU, 34340 Marseillan, France
| | - Bruno Boury
- ICGM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Parrot
- IBMM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France;
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7
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Smith KL, Sherman AD, McGill PR, Henthorn RG, Ferreira J, Connolly TP, Huffard CL. Abyssal Benthic Rover, an autonomous vehicle for long-term monitoring of deep-ocean processes. Sci Robot 2021; 6:eabl4925. [PMID: 34731026 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abl4925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Smith
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - A D Sherman
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - P R McGill
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - R G Henthorn
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - J Ferreira
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - T P Connolly
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, San José State University, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - C L Huffard
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, USA
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8
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Yuan C, Mao J, Sun H, Wang Y, Guo M, Wang X, Tian Y, Hao Z, Ding J, Chang Y. Genome-wide DNA methylation profile changes associated with shell colouration in the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) as measured by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:740. [PMID: 34649514 PMCID: PMC8515700 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mollusca, a phylum of highly rich species, possess vivid shell colours, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. DNA methylation, one of the most common epigenetic modifications in eukaryotes, is believed to play a vital role in various biological processes. However, analysis of the effects of DNA methylation on shell colouration has rarely been performed in molluscs, limiting the current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of shell colour formation. RESULTS In the present study, to reveal the role of epigenetic regulation in shell colouration, WGBS, the "gold standard" of DNA methylation analysis, was first performed on the mantle tissues of Yesso scallops (Patinopecten yessoensis) with different shell colours (brown and white), and DNA methylomes at single-base resolution were generated. About 3% of cytosines were methylated in the genome of the Yesso scallop. A slight increase in mCG percentage and methylation level was found in brown scallops. Sequence preference of nearby methylated cytosines differed between high and low methylation level sites and between the brown- and white-shelled scallops. DNA methylation levels varied among the different genomic regions; all the detected regions in the brown group exhibited higher methylation levels than the white group. A total of 41,175 DMRs (differentially methylated regions) were detected between brown and white scallops. GO functions and pathways associated with the biosynthesis of melanin and porphyrins were significantly enriched for DMRs, among which several key shell colour-related genes were identified. Further, different correlations between mRNA expression levels and DNA methylation status were found in these genes, suggesting that DNA methylation regulates shell colouration in the Yesso scallop. CONCLUSIONS This study provides genome-wide DNA methylation landscapes of Yesso scallops with different shell colours, offering new insights into the epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying shell colour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzi Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Junxia Mao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Yiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Xubo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenlin Hao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Jun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Yaqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.
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9
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Hu B, Li Q, Yu H. RNA Interference by Ingested Dsrna-Expressing Bacteria to Study Porphyrin Pigmentation in Crassostrea gigas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116120. [PMID: 34204154 PMCID: PMC8201132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrins are a widespread group of pigments in nature which are believed to contribute to shell colors in mollusks. Previous studies have provided candidate genes for porphyrin shell coloration, however, the linkage analysis between functional genes and porphyrin pigmentation remains unclear in mollusks. RNA interference is a powerful molecular tool for analyzing the loss of functions of genes in vivo and alter gene expression. In this study, we used unicellular alga Platymonas subcordiformis and Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima as vectors to feed oysters with Escherichia coli strain HT115 engineered to express double-stranded RNAs targeting specific genes involved in porphyrin synthesis. A strain of Crassostrea gigas with orange shell was used to target key haem pathway genes expression using the aforementioned approach. We show here that feeding the oysters with E. coli, containing dsRNA targeting pigmentation genes, can cause changes in the color of the newly deposited shell. For example, the RNAi knockdown of CgALAS and CgPBGD resulted in the loss of uroporphyrin pigmentation from the shell due to the accumulation of the pigment in the oyster's mantle. The study probed the crucial role of ALAS and PBGD genes potential functions of uroporphyrin production and shell color pigmentation in C. gigas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (B.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (B.H.); (H.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (B.H.); (H.Y.)
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10
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Zhu X, Feng S, Jiang Z, Zhang H, Wang Y, Yang H, Wang Z. An ultra-red fluorescent biosensor for highly sensitive and rapid detection of biliverdin. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1174:338709. [PMID: 34247733 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338709] [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: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The important role of BV in clinical diagnostics of liver-related diseases has been established in veterinary medicine. However, the sensitivity and selectivity of the current BV assays remain relatively low compromising its wider application in clinical diagnosis. Herein, we developed a rapid and sensitive BV-detecting biosensor based on a novel far-red fluorescent protein smURFP, which produced fluorescence only through specific interaction with its cofactor BV. In our study, the binding of BV to smURFP was then systematically optimized based on the structures of the smURFP + BV complex to increase the sensitivity of our biosensor. A wide linear range from 0 μM to 25 μM was obtained in both chicken and human serum. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for BV was as low as 0.4 nM and 1.5 nM in human serum, and 0.4 nM and 1.2 nM in chicken serum. To our knowledge, this is the lowest LOD that has ever been reported for a BV biosensor. Our study sheds light on the biological and clinical analysis of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaqing Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shuren Feng
- Tianjin Women's and Children's Health Centre (TWCHC), Tianjin, 300051, China
| | - Zhongyi Jiang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Huayue Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Haitao Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zefang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, College of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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11
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Hamchand R, Lafountain AM, Büchel R, Maas KR, Hird SM, Warren M, Frank HA, Brückner C. Red Fluorescence of European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) Spines Results from Free-Base Porphyrins of Potential Microbial Origin. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:588-596. [PMID: 33948884 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence has been recognized as an important means for inter- and intra-species communication. A growing number of reports of red fluorescence occurring in keratinaceous materials have become available. The fluorophore(s) in these cases were shown to be, or suspected to be, free base porphyrins. The red fluorescence found in the downs of bustards was associated with inter-species signaling in mate selection. First reported in 1925, we confirm that spines of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) when irradiated with UV (365-395 nm) light display red fluorescence localized in the light-colored sections of their proximal ends. Using reflectance fluorescence spectroscopy, we confirmed that the fluorophores responsible for the emission are free-base porphyrins, as suspected in the original report. Base-induced degradation of the spine matrix and subsequent HPLC, UV-vis, and ESI+ mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a mixture of coproporphyrin III and uroporphyrin III as predominant porphyrins and a minor fraction of protoporphyrin IX. Investigation of the spine microbiome uncovered the abundant presence of bacteria known to secrete and/or interconvert porphyrins and that are not present on the non-fluorescing quills of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). Given this circumstantial evidence, we propose the porphyrins could originate from commensal bacteria. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the fluorescence may be incidental and of no biological function for the hedgehog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy Hamchand
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT, 06269-3060, USA
| | - Amy M Lafountain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT, 06269-3060, USA
| | - Rhea Büchel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT, 06269-3060, USA
| | - Kendra R Maas
- Microbial Analysis, Resources, and Services (MARS), University of Connecticut, Unit-3032, Storrs, CT, 06269-3032, USA
| | - Sarah M Hird
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Unit 3125, Storrs, CT, 06269-3125, USA
| | - Martin Warren
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Harry A Frank
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT, 06269-3060, USA
| | - Christian Brückner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Unit 3060, Storrs, CT, 06269-3060, USA.
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12
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Hu B, Li Q, Yu H, Du S. Identification and characterization of key haem pathway genes associated with the synthesis of porphyrin in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 255:110595. [PMID: 33753220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molluscs exhibit diverse shell colors. The molecular regulation of shell coloration is however not well understood. To investigate the connection of shell coloration with pigment synthesis, we analyzed the distribution of porphyrins, a widespread group of pigments in nature, in four Pacific oyster strains of different shell colors including black, orange, golden, and white. The porphyrin distribution was analyzed in oyster mantles and shells by fluorescence imaging and UV spectrophotometer. The results showed that red fluorescence emitted by porphyrins under the UV light was detected only on the nacre of the orange-shell strain and mantles of orange, black and white-shell strains. Extracts from newly deposit shell, nacre and mantle tissue from orange-shell specimens showed peaks in UV-vis spectra that are characteristic of porphyrins, but these were not observed for the other shell-color strains. In addition, genes of the haem synthetic pathway were isolated and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis of CgALAS, CgALAD, CgPBGD, CgUROS, and CgUROD provide further evidence for a conserved genetic pathway of haem synthesis during evolution. Differential expression of the haem genes expressed in mantle tissues support these findings and are consistent with porphyrins being produced by the orange strain only. Tissue in situ hybridization demonstrated the expression of these candidate genes at the outer fold of C. gigas mantles where shell is deposited. Our studies provide a better understanding of shell pigmentation in C. gigas and candidate genes for future mechanistic analysis of shell color formation in molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shaojun Du
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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13
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Molecular Pathways and Pigments Underlying the Colors of the Pearl Oyster Pinctada margaritifera var. cumingii (Linnaeus 1758). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030421. [PMID: 33804186 PMCID: PMC7998362 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The shell color of the Mollusca has attracted naturalists and collectors for hundreds of years, while the molecular pathways regulating pigment production and the pigments themselves remain poorly described. In this study, our aim was to identify the main pigments and their molecular pathways in the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera—the species displaying the broadest range of colors. Three inner shell colors were investigated—red, yellow, and green. To maximize phenotypic homogeneity, a controlled population approach combined with common garden conditioning was used. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes (RNA-seq) of P. margaritifera with different shell colors revealed the central role of the heme pathway, which is involved in the production of red (uroporphyrin and derivates), yellow (bilirubin), and green (biliverdin and cobalamin forms) pigments. In addition, the Raper–Mason, and purine metabolism pathways were shown to produce yellow pigments (pheomelanin and xanthine) and the black pigment eumelanin. The presence of these pigments in pigmented shell was validated by Raman spectroscopy. This method also highlighted that all the identified pathways and pigments are expressed ubiquitously and that the dominant color of the shell is due to the preferential expression of one pathway compared with another. These pathways could likely be extrapolated to many other organisms presenting broad chromatic variation.
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14
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Rezende BS, Spotorno-Oliveira P, D'ávila S, Maia LF, Cappa de Oliveira LF. Evidence of a Biogenic Mineralization Process in Vermetid Feeding Mucus as Revealed by Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. MALACOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.4002/040.063.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Seixas Rezende
- Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Spotorno-Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Sthefane D'ávila
- Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Lenize Fernandes Maia
- Núcleo de Espectroscopia e Estrutura Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Cappa de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Espectroscopia e Estrutura Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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15
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Galeb HA, Wilkinson EL, Stowell AF, Lin H, Murphy ST, Martin‐Hirsch PL, Mort RL, Taylor AM, Hardy JG. Melanins as Sustainable Resources for Advanced Biotechnological Applications. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000102. [PMID: 33552556 PMCID: PMC7857133 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are a class of biopolymers that are widespread in nature and have diverse origins, chemical compositions, and functions. Their chemical, electrical, optical, and paramagnetic properties offer opportunities for applications in materials science, particularly for medical and technical uses. This review focuses on the application of analytical techniques to study melanins in multidisciplinary contexts with a view to their use as sustainable resources for advanced biotechnological applications, and how these may facilitate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa A. Galeb
- Department of ChemistryLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
- Department of ChemistryScience and Arts CollegeRabigh CampusKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddah21577Saudi Arabia
| | - Emma L. Wilkinson
- Department of Biomedical and Life SciencesLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YGUK
| | - Alison F. Stowell
- Department of Organisation, Work and TechnologyLancaster University Management SchoolLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YXUK
| | - Hungyen Lin
- Department of EngineeringLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
| | - Samuel T. Murphy
- Department of EngineeringLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
- Materials Science InstituteLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
| | - Pierre L. Martin‐Hirsch
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustRoyal Preston HospitalSharoe Green LanePrestonPR2 9HTUK
| | - Richard L. Mort
- Department of Biomedical and Life SciencesLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YGUK
| | - Adam M. Taylor
- Lancaster Medical SchoolLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YWUK
| | - John G. Hardy
- Department of ChemistryLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
- Materials Science InstituteLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YBUK
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16
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Saenko SV, Schilthuizen M. Evo-devo of shell colour in gastropods and bivalves. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:1-5. [PMID: 33388521 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent technical innovations are revealing surprising patterns in mollusc shell pigmentation, such as an unexpectedly modest role for melanins and rapid divergences in the mix of pigments used to achieve similar colour patterns. The elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of shell pigmentation has been slow, probably because of the high genome complexity of gastropods and bivalves. Recent work within the old field of evolutionary ecology of shell pigmentation allows a greater role for the analysis of large-geographic-scale patterns (sometimes employing citizen-science data), as well as experimental field studies. However, the field remains dominated by land snails as model organisms, while colour pattern evolution in marine gastropods and bivalves, particularly those not exposed to visual predators, remains mysterious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne V Saenko
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333CR Leiden, The Netherlands; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Schilthuizen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333CR Leiden, The Netherlands; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, The Netherlands.
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17
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Chemical evidence of rare porphyrins in purple shells of Crassostrea gigas oyster. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12150. [PMID: 32699240 PMCID: PMC7376061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The colour of oyster shells is a very diverse characteristic morphotype, forming intriguing vivid patterns both on the inside and outside of the shell. In the present study, we have identified for the first time, the presence of several porphyrins as constituents of the shell pigmentation of the Crassostrea gigas oyster consumed worldwide. The precise molecular structures of halochromic, fluorescent and acid-soluble porphyrins, such as uroporphyrin and turacin, are unambiguously determined by reverse phase liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry. Their presence account for the purple colouration of shells but also for the dark colouration of adductor muscle scars. We have also defined the endogenous origin of these porphyrins, specifically secreted or accumulated by the shell forming tissue. These findings are pioneering analytical proofs of the existence of the haem pathway in the edible oyster Crassostrea gigas, evidenced by the chemical identification of haem side-products and supported by the recent publication of the corresponding oyster genome.
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18
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Genome-wide identification, characterisation and expression analysis of the ALAS gene in the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) with different shell colours. Gene 2020; 757:144925. [PMID: 32622991 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Porphyrins, one of the most common shell pigments, are by-products of the haem pathway. 5-Aminolaevulinate synthase (ALAS) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway and has been well studied in vertebrate species. However, the function of ALAS in shell colouration has been poorly studied in molluscs, which are renowned for their colourful shells. In the present study, an ALAS gene, named PyALAS, was identified through whole-genome scanning in the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis), an economically and evolutionarily important bivalve species in which the shell colour represents polymorphism. Two conserved domains were detected in the PyALAS protein sequence, including a Preseq-ALAS domain and a 5-ALAS domain, confirming the identification of PyALAS. Phylogenetic analysis of the ALAS proteins among various invertebrate and vertebrate species revealed a high consistency between the molecular evolution of ALAS and the species taxonomy. PyALAS was ubiquitously expressed in most adult tissues of the Yesso scallop. The left mantle expressed a significantly higher level of PyALAS than the right side in brown scallops, whereas there was no significant difference in white scallops. Significantly different expression levels of PyALAS was also detected between the two different shell colour strains. These data indicate that PyALAS plays an important role in shell colouration in Yesso scallops and the present study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of shell colouration in molluscs.
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19
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Hu Z, Song H, Zhou C, Yu ZL, Yang MJ, Zhang T. De novo assembly transcriptome analysis reveals the preliminary molecular mechanism of pigmentation in juveniles of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria. Genomics 2020; 112:3636-3647. [PMID: 32353476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Color plays a vital function in camouflage, sexual selection, immunity, and evolution. Mollusca possess vivid shell colors and pigmentation starts at the juvenile stage. The hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria is a widely cultivated bivalve of high economic value. To explore the molecular mechanism of pigmentation in juvenile clams, here, we performed RNA-Seq analysis on non-pigmented, white, and red M. mercenaria specimens. Clean reads were assembled into 358,285 transcripts and 149,234 unigenes, whose N50 lengths were 2107 bp and 1567 bp, respectively. Differentially expressed genes were identified and analyzed for KEGG enrichment. "Melanoma/Melanogenesis", "ABC transporters", and "Porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism" pathways appeared to be associated with pigmentation. Pathways related to carotenoid metabolism seemed to also play a vital role in pigmentation in juveniles. Our results provide new insights into the formation of shell color in juvenile hard clams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hao Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zheng-Lin Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mei-Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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20
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Nie H, Jiang K, Li N, Jahan K, Jiang L, Huo Z, Yan X. Transcriptome analysis reveals the pigmentation-related genes in two shell color strains of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 32:439-450. [PMID: 31967493 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1714635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is an ecologically and economically important marine bivalve species. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic sequencing of two different shell color strains (O and Z) before color appearance (uncolored juvenile clam) and pigmented shell color (colored juvenile clam) and investigated the analysis of the differential expression patterns of specific genes associated with pigmentation by RNA-seq and time course qPCR analysis. The transcription level of 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related with shell color was analyzed by qRT-PCR to validate the performance of RNA-seq from Illumina sequence data where most of them were up-regulated. Two genes were down-regulated after the occurrence of zebra clam stripes compared with uncolored zebra clam. The trend of gene expression obtained by qPCR was basically consistent with that of RNA-seq. The synthesis of melanin in bivalves plays potential roles in the pigmentation of the shell and is closely related to the formation of the surface pattern. The porphyrin metabolism combined with tyrosinase and melanogenesis signaling pathway is a novel finding in shell color determination of R. philippinarum. This study sheds light on the pigmentation and coloration mechanism of the Manila clam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Nie
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Kunyin Jiang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Ning Li
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Kifat Jahan
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Liwen Jiang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhongming Huo
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiwu Yan
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
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21
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Affenzeller S, Wolkenstein K, Frauendorf H, Jackson DJ. Eumelanin and pheomelanin pigmentation in mollusc shells may be less common than expected: insights from mass spectrometry. Front Zool 2019; 16:47. [PMID: 31889966 PMCID: PMC6929474 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geometric patterns that adorn the shells of many phylogenetically disparate molluscan species are comprised of pigments that span the visible spectrum. Although early chemical studies implicated melanin as a commonly employed pigment, surprisingly little evidence generated with more recent and sensitive techniques exists to support these observations. RESULTS Here we present the first mass spectrometric investigations for the presence of eumelanin and pheomelanin in 13 different molluscan species from three conchiferan classes: Bivalvia, Cephalopoda and Gastropoda. In the bivalve Mytilus edulis we demonstrate that eumelanin mainly occurs in the outermost, non-mineralised and highly pigmented layer of the shell (often referred to as the periostracum). We also identified eumelanin in the shells of the cephalopod Nautilus pompilius and the marine gastropods Clanculus pharaonius and Steromphala adriatica. In the terrestrial gastropod Cepaea nemoralis we verify the presence of pheomelanin in a mollusc shell for the first time. Surprisingly, in a large number of brown/black coloured shells we did not find any evidence for either type of melanin. CONCLUSIONS We recommend methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection for the analysis of complex biological samples to avoid potential false-positive identification of melanin. Our results imply that many molluscan species employ as yet unidentified pigments to pattern their shells. This has implications for our understanding of how molluscs evolved the ability to pigment and pattern their shells, and for the identification of the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Affenzeller
- Department of Geobiology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Wolkenstein
- Department of Geobiology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holm Frauendorf
- Institute of Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel J. Jackson
- Department of Geobiology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Quantitation of eumelanin and pheomelanin markers in diverse biological samples by HPLC-UV-MS following solid-phase extraction. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223552. [PMID: 31622353 PMCID: PMC6797180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumelanin and pheomelanin are well known and common pigments found in nature. However, their complex polymer structure and high thermostability complicate their direct chemical identification. A widely used analytical method is indirect determination using HPLC with UV detection of both types of melanin by their most abundant oxidation products: pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (PDCA), pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), thiazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (TDCA), and thiazole-2,4,5-tricarboxylic acid (TTCA). An increasing interest in pigmentation in biological research led us to develop a highly sensitive and selective method to identify and quantify these melanin markers in diverse biological samples with complex matrices. By introducing solid-phase extraction (SPE, reversed-phase) following alkaline oxidation we could significantly decrease background signals while maintaining recoveries greater than 70%. Our HPLC-UV-MS method allows for confident peak identification via exact mass information in corresponding UV signals used for quantitation. In addition to synthetic melanin and Sepia officinalis ink as reference compounds eumelanin markers were detected in brown human hair and a brown bivalve shell (Mytilus edulis). Brown feathers from the common chicken (Gallus g. domesticus) yielded all four eumelanin and pheomelanin markers. The present method can be easily adapted for a wide range of future studies on biological samples with unknown melanin content.
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Vafiadis P, Burn R. Internal embryonic brooding and development in the southern Australian micro-snail Tricolia rosea (Angas, 1867) (Vetigastropoda: Phasianellidae: Tricoliinae). MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2019.1672251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Platon Vafiadis
- Marine Research Group of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Malacological Society of Australasia, Victorian Branch, Melbourne, Australia
- Volunteer in Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert Burn
- Marine Research Group of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
- Malacological Society of Australasia, Victorian Branch, Melbourne, Australia
- Honorary Associate in Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Wei L, Jiang Q, Cai Z, Yu W, He C, Guo W, Wang X. Immune-related molecular and physiological differences between black-shelled and white-shelled Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:64-71. [PMID: 31150764 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The black-and-white traits on shells and mantle edges of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, are inheritable and correlated, and black shells (melanin pigmentation) are usually found in the Pacific oysters. Based on differentially expressed genes from RNA-Seq and physiological characteristics, in this study, Black-shelled Pacific oysters (BSO) and White-shelled Pacific oysters (WSO) were selected to determine the molecular differences between oysters with obviously different melanin content. The differences in the process of immune recognition and modulation indicated that BSO may be more sensitive to the immune substances. There might have different modulation mode of apoptosis and phagocytosis between BSO and WSO, and caspase-3 might have played a key role in the apoptotic process of BSO. Different oxidation-related pathways were enriched in both BSO and WSO, suggesting the different response strategies of BSO and WSO to oxidative stress. The physiological evidences showed that, compared with WSO, in BSO, the tyrosinase content, the caspase-3 activity and the suppression of hydroxyl radical increased, and the reactive oxygen species concentration decreased. Therefore, immune-related molecular and physiological differences were found between BSO and WSO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Qiuyun Jiang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zhongqiang Cai
- Changdao Enhancement and Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Changdao, 265800, China
| | - Wenchao Yu
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Cheng He
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Wen Guo
- Marine Biology Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266104, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
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25
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Hu Z, Song H, Yang MJ, Yu ZL, Zhou C, Wang XL, Zhang T. Transcriptome analysis of shell color-related genes in the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2019; 31:100598. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2019.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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26
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Song J, Wang C. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of genetic factors influencing adductor muscle coloration in QN Orange scallops. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:363. [PMID: 31072381 PMCID: PMC6509969 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Color polymorphism, a high-valued trait, is frequently observed in molluscan shellfish. The QN Orange scallop, a new scallop strain successively selected from the interspecific hybrids of the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians irradians) and the Peruvian scallop (Argopecten purpuratus), is distinguished from other scallops by its orange adductor muscles. In this study, to reveal the mechanisms of the formation of adductor muscle coloration in the QN Orange scallops, we compared the proteome and transcriptome of orange adductor muscles of the QN Orange and those of white adductor muscles of the Bohai Red scallop, another strain selected from the interspecific hybrids of the bay scallop and the Peruvian scallop. Results Transcriptomic analysis revealed 416 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between white and orange adductor muscles, among which 216 were upregulated and 200 were downregulated. Seventy-four differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 36 upregulated and 38 downregulated proteins, were identified through label-free proteomics. Among the identified DEGs and DEPs, genes related to carotenoids biosynthesis including apolipophorin, and Cytochrome P450 and those related to melanin biosynthesis including tyrosinase and Ras-related protein Rab-11A were found to express at higher levels in orange adductor muscles. The high expression levels of VPS (vacuolar protein sorting) and TIF (translation initiation factor) in orange adductor muscle tissues indicated that carotenoid accumulation may be affected by proteins outside of the carotenoid pathway. Conclusions Our results implied that the coloration of orange adductor muscles in the QN Orange scallops may be controlled by genes modulating accumulation of carotenoids and melanins. This study may provide valuable information for understanding the mechanisms and pathways underlying adductor muscle coloration in molluscan shellfish. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5717-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlin Song
- Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Chunde Wang
- Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China. .,Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China.
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Grant HE, Williams ST. Phylogenetic distribution of shell colour in Bivalvia (Mollusca). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Grant
- Natural History Museum, Department of Life Sciences, London, UK
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, London, UK
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Zhang S, Wang H, Yu J, Jiang F, Yue X, Liu B. Identification of a gene encoding microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and its association with shell color in the clam Meretrix petechialis. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 225:75-83. [PMID: 30031885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a master regulator of melanocyte development through the direct transcriptional control of related genes, e.g., the phenoloxidase gene. In this study, an MITF gene, MpMITF2, was identified in the clam Meretrix petechialis. The full-length cDNA of MpMITF2 was 2026 bp, and the molecular mass of the predicted protein was 42.6 kDa. A basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper domain was detected in the deduced protein sequence, which can bind the E-box motif within the promoter of the downstream genes. The mRNA of MpMITF2 was more highly expressed in the mantle compared to the other four tissues. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the mRNA expression of MpMITF2 among three clam strains with different shell colors. The protein level of MpMITF2 was also different among these strains. These results implied that MpMITF2 was associated with shell color formation in the clam M. petechialis. When the mRNA expression of MpMITF2 was knocked down, the new shell showed discontinuous pigment distribution, suggesting that the reduced expression of MpMITF2 influenced pigment synthesis. A gene encoding phenoloxidase (MpPO) was identified as related to the shell color of the clam and was also a putative downstream gene of MITF. Both the mRNA and protein levels of MpPO decreased significantly at 12 h post-MpMITF-suppression, suggesting that MpMITF2 is required for the expression of MpPO. Our results indicate the close relationships among MpMITF2, MpPO and shell color. This study implicates the role of MITF in shell color formation in the clam M. petechialis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jiajia Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengjuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Yue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Baozhong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266000, China
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Williams ST, Lockyer AE, Dyal P, Nakano T, Churchill CKC, Speiser DI. Colorful seashells: Identification of haem pathway genes associated with the synthesis of porphyrin shell color in marine snails. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:10379-10397. [PMID: 29238562 PMCID: PMC5723588 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Very little is known about the evolution of molluskan shell pigments, although Mollusca is a highly diverse, species rich, and ecologically important group of animals comprised of many brightly colored taxa. The marine snail genus Clanculus was chosen as an exceptional model for studying the evolution of shell color, first, because in Clanculus margaritarius and Clanculus pharaonius both shell and foot share similar colors and patterns; and second, because recent studies have identified the pigments, trochopuniceus (pink‐red), and trochoxouthos (yellow‐brown), both comprised of uroporphyrin I and uroporphyrin III, in both shell and colored foot tissue of these species. These unusual characteristics provide a rare opportunity to identify the genes involved in color production because, as the same pigments occur in the shell and colored foot tissue, the same color‐related genes may be simultaneously expressed in both mantle (which produces the shell) and foot tissue. In this study, the transcriptomes of these two Clanculus species along with a third species, Calliostoma zizyphinum, were sequenced to identify genes associated with the synthesis of porphyrins. Calliostoma zizyphinum was selected as a negative control as trochopuniceus and trochoxouthos were not found to occur in this species. As expected, genes necessary for the production of uroporphyrin I and III were found in all three species, but gene expression levels were consistent with synthesis of uroporphyrins in mantle and colored foot tissue only in Clanculus. These results are relevant not only to understanding the evolution of shell pigmentation in Clanculus but also to understanding the evolution of color in other species with uroporphyrin pigmentation, including (mainly marine) mollusks soft tissues and shells, annelid and platyhelminth worms, and some bird feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne E Lockyer
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies Brunel University London Uxbridge UK
| | - Patricia Dyal
- Core Research Laboratories Natural History Museum London UK
| | - Tomoyuki Nakano
- Seto Marine Biological Laboratory Kyoto University Nishimuro Wakayama Prefecture Japan
| | | | - Daniel I Speiser
- Department of Biological Sciences University of South Carolina Columbia SC USA
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