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Genes Nov 2020Seed coat color is a crucial agronomic trait in sesame () since it is strongly linked to seed oil, proteins, and lignans contents, and also influences consumer...
Seed coat color is a crucial agronomic trait in sesame () since it is strongly linked to seed oil, proteins, and lignans contents, and also influences consumer preferences. In East Asia, black sesame seed is used in the treatment and the prevention of various diseases. However, in sesame, little is known about the establishment of the seed coat color, and only one gene has been reported to control black pigmentation. This study provides an overview of developing seeds transcriptome of two varieties of sesame "Zhongfengzhi No.1" (white seed) and "Zhongzhi No.33" (black seed) and shed light on genes involving in black seed formation. Until eight days post-anthesis (DPA), both the seeds of the two varieties were white. The black sesame seed turned to yellow between 9 and 11 DPA and then black between 12 and 14 DPA. The black and white sesame showed similar trend-expressed genes with the numbers increased at the early stages of seed development. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) number increased with seed development in the two sesame varieties. We examined the DEGs and uncovered that more were up-regulated at the early stages. The DEGs between the black and white sesame were mainly enriched in 37 metabolic pathways, among which the flavonoid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were dominants. Furthermore, we identified 20 candidate genes associated with pigment biosynthesis in black sesame seed, among which 10 were flavonoid biosynthesis and regulatory genes. These genes also include isochorismate and polyphenol oxidase genes. By comparing the phenotypes and genes expressions of the black and white sesame seed at different development stages, this work revealed the important role of 8-14 DPA in black pigment biosynthesis and accumulation. Moreover, it unfolded candidate genes associated with black pigmentation in sesame. These findings provide a vast transcriptome dataset and list of genes that will be targeted for functional studies related to the molecular mechanism involved in biosynthesis and regulation of seed coat color in sesame.
Topics: Color; Flavonoids; Gene Expression; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Phenotype; Pigmentation; Seeds; Sesamum; Transcriptome
PubMed: 33255784
DOI: 10.3390/genes11121399 -
PLoS Genetics Aug 2021The eye color of birds, generally referring to the color of the iris, results from both pigmentation and structural coloration. Avian iris colors exhibit striking...
The eye color of birds, generally referring to the color of the iris, results from both pigmentation and structural coloration. Avian iris colors exhibit striking interspecific and intraspecific variations that correspond to unique evolutionary and ecological histories. Here, we identified the genetic basis of pearl (white) iris color in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) to explore the largely unknown genetic mechanism underlying the evolution of avian iris coloration. Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach in 92 pigeons, we mapped the pearl iris trait to a 9 kb region containing the facilitative glucose transporter gene SLC2A11B. A nonsense mutation (W49X) leading to a premature stop codon in SLC2A11B was identified as the causal variant. Transcriptome analysis suggested that SLC2A11B loss of function may downregulate the xanthophore-differentiation gene CSF1R and the key pteridine biosynthesis gene GCH1, thus resulting in the pearl iris phenotype. Coalescence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the mutation originated approximately 5,400 years ago, coinciding with the onset of pigeon domestication, while positive selection was likely associated with artificial breeding. Within Aves, potentially impaired SLC2A11B was found in six species from six distinct lineages, four of which associated with their signature brown or blue eyes and lack of pteridine. Analysis of vertebrate SLC2A11B orthologs revealed relaxed selection in the avian clade, consistent with the scenario that during and after avian divergence from the reptilian ancestor, the SLC2A11B-involved development of dermal chromatophores likely degenerated in the presence of feather coverage. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanism of avian iris color variations and the evolution of pigmentation in vertebrates.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Columbidae; Evolution, Molecular; Eye; Eye Color; Gene Expression Profiling; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype; Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative; Iris; Mutation; Phenotype; Phylogeny; Pigmentation
PubMed: 34460822
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009770 -
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface May 2023Optical transparency is rare in terrestrial organisms, and often originates through loss of pigmentation and reduction in scattering. The coloured wings of some...
Optical transparency is rare in terrestrial organisms, and often originates through loss of pigmentation and reduction in scattering. The coloured wings of some butterflies and moths have repeatedly evolved transparency, offering examples of how they function optically and biologically. Because pigments are primarily localized in the scales that cover a colourless wing membrane, transparency has often evolved through the complete loss of scales or radical modification of their shape. Whereas bristle-like scales have been well documented in glasswing butterflies, other scale modifications resulting in transparency remain understudied. The butterfly achieves transparency while retaining its scales and exhibiting blue/cyan transparent zones. Here, we investigate the mechanism of wing transparency in by light microscopy, focused ion beam milling, microspectrophotometry and optical modelling. We show that transparency is achieved via loss of pigments and vertical orientation in normal paddle-like scales. These alterations are combined with an anti-reflective nipple array on portions of the wing membrane being more exposed to light. The blueish coloration of the transparent regions is due to the properties of the wing membrane, and local scale nanostructures. We show that scale retention in the transparent patches might be explained by these perpendicular scales having hydrophobic properties.
Topics: Animals; Butterflies; Wings, Animal; Pigmentation; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Vision, Ocular
PubMed: 37254701
DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0135 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Oct 2022Dental disclosants are used to distinguish the amount and location of dental plaque. Therefore, dental disclosants are useful for dental plaque management and effective...
OBJECTIVE
Dental disclosants are used to distinguish the amount and location of dental plaque. Therefore, dental disclosants are useful for dental plaque management and effective in motivating oral care. After reports on the cytotoxicity and carcinogenesis of dental disclosants containing erythrosine, many natural pigments for dental disclosants have been suggested. However, there are insufficient ingredients with proven biocompatibility for human subjects. The purpose of this study was to explore the suitability of Gardenia blue pigment as a dental disclosant.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Natural Gardenia blue pigment was used as the dental disclosant experimental group and 2Tone was used as the control group. The homogeneity of the panelists in the groups was identified by measuring the gingivitis index and dental plaque index of the subjects before the experiments. The degree of pigmentation on the tooth surface was observed immediately after coloring and after 1 h. The remaining pigment on the dental surface was also monitored after brushing the teeth. In the panelist test, the taste and sensation of the pigment were examined, and the overall preference for the pigment as a dental disclosant was examined.
RESULTS
After coloration of the tooth surface, neither the natural Gardenia blue pigment nor 2Tone imparted any special taste or sensation. The coloration of dental plaque with Gardenia blue pigment was similar to that of 2Tone, and the difference in the degree of coloration between Gardenia blue pigment and 2Tone was not statistically significant. The residual degree of pigmentation after 1 h of coloring was similar in both groups, but most of it was removed by brushing. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall preference of Gardenia blue pigment over 2Tone.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study prove that natural Gardenia blue pigment could be a suitable dental disclosant in terms of pigmentation and preference.
Topics: Dental Plaque; Erythrosine; Gardenia; Humans; Pigmentation; Rubiaceae
PubMed: 35822866
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.634 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Nov 2022Hyperpigmentary disorder is one of the commonest skin concerns in dermatology clinics. The availability of noninvasive instruments provided a convenient, objective, and...
BACKGROUND
Hyperpigmentary disorder is one of the commonest skin concerns in dermatology clinics. The availability of noninvasive instruments provided a convenient, objective, and reproducible methodology for the evaluation of pigmentation and skin color. The aim of this study is to compare CSKIN and VISIA in measuring facial hyperpigmentation, as well as to assess the correlation between the instrumental analyzing and clinical evaluation.
METHODS
Eighty Chinese patients were enrolled. Images were taken and analyzed by VISIA from Canfield and CSKIN from Yanyun Technology, and the facial hyperpigmentation was graded by three dermatologists.
RESULTS
Feature counts within the facial pigmented areas analyzed by VISIA showed positive correlations with brown pixels (r = 0.331, p < 0.05) and brown percent (r = 0.395, p < 0.0001) measured by CSKIN. The parameters measured by CSKIN and VISIA were significantly correlated with visual scores graded by the dermatologists, with VISIA presenting a moderate correlation (r = 0.509, p < 0.001) and CSKIN a slightly stronger correlation with the visual scores (r = 0.653, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
CSKIN could serve as an alternative in the assessment and follow-up of skin disease featuring with facial hyperpigmentation.
Topics: Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Skin Pigmentation; Skin Aging; Skin; Face
PubMed: 36308512
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13216 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024Eggshell and shank color in poultry is an intriguing topic of research due to the roles in selection, breed recognition, and environmental adaptation. This study delves...
Eggshell and shank color in poultry is an intriguing topic of research due to the roles in selection, breed recognition, and environmental adaptation. This study delves into the genomics foundations of shank and eggshell pigmentation in Italian local chickens through genome-wide association studies analysis to uncover the mechanisms governing these phenotypes. To this purpose, 483 animals from 20 local breeds (n = 466) and 2 commercial lines (n = 17) were considered and evaluated for shank and eggshell color. All animals were genotyped using the Affymetrix Axiom 600 K Chicken Genotyping Array. As regards shank color, the most interesting locus was detected on chromosome Z, close to the TYRP1 gene, known to play a key role in avian pigmentation. Additionally, several novel loci and genes associated with shank pigmentation, skin pigmentation, UV protection, and melanocyte regulation were identified (e.g., MTAP, CDKN2A, CDKN2B). In eggshell, fewer significant loci were identified, including SLC7A11 and MITF on chromosomes 4 and 12, respectively, associated with melanocyte processes and pigment synthesis. This comprehensive study shed light on the genetic architecture underlying shank and eggshell color in Italian native chicken breeds, contributing to a better understanding of this phenomenon which plays a role in breed identification and conservation, and has ecological and economic implications.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Italy; Pigmentation; Egg Shell; Color; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype
PubMed: 38593544
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103677 -
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research Jan 2015Teleosts comprise about half of all vertebrate species and exhibit an extraordinary diversity of adult pigment patterns that function in shoaling, camouflage, and mate... (Review)
Review
Teleosts comprise about half of all vertebrate species and exhibit an extraordinary diversity of adult pigment patterns that function in shoaling, camouflage, and mate choice and have played important roles in speciation. Here, we review studies that have identified several distinct neural crest lineages, with distinct genetic requirements, that give rise to adult pigment cells in fishes. These lineages include post-embryonic, peripheral nerve-associated stem cells that generate black melanophores and iridescent iridophores, cells derived directly from embryonic neural crest cells that generate yellow-orange xanthophores, and bipotent stem cells that generate both melanophores and xanthophores. This complexity in adult chromatophore lineages has implications for our understanding of adult traits, melanoma, and the evolutionary diversification of pigment cell lineages and patterns.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Biological Evolution; Body Patterning; Cell Lineage; Genetic Variation; Pigmentation; Stem Cells
PubMed: 25421288
DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12332 -
Science Advances Apr 2020Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal...
Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal complexes. Plants lacking anthocyanins are pigmented by betalains but are unable to produce blue hues. By extending the π-system of betalains, we designed a photostable and metal-free blue dye named BeetBlue that did not show toxicity to human hepatic and retinal pigment epithelial cells and does not affect zebrafish embryonal development. This chiral dye can be conveniently synthesized from betalamic acid obtained from hydrolyzed red beetroot juice or by enzymatic oxidation of l-dopa. BeetBlue is blue in the solid form and in solution of acidified polar molecular solvents, including water. Its capacity to dye natural matrices makes BeetBlue the prototype of a new class of low-cost bioinspired chromophores suitable for a myriad of applications requiring a blue hue.
Topics: Animals; Chemical Phenomena; Color; Coloring Agents; Density Functional Theory; Metals; Molecular Structure; Pigmentation; Pigments, Biological; Plants; Spectrum Analysis; Zebrafish
PubMed: 32284978
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz0421 -
Plant Molecular Biology Jun 2023Perilla as herb, ornamental, oil and edible plant is widely used in East Asia. Until now, the mechanism of regulated leaf coloration is still unclear. In this study,...
Perilla as herb, ornamental, oil and edible plant is widely used in East Asia. Until now, the mechanism of regulated leaf coloration is still unclear. In this study, four different kinds of leaf colors were used to measure pigment contents and do transcriptome sequence to postulate the mechanism of leaf coloration. The measurements of chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, and anthocyanin showed that higher contents of all the aforementioned four pigments were in full purple leaf 'M357', and they may be determined front and back leaf color formation with purple. Meanwhile, the content of anthocyanin was controlled back leaf coloration. The chromatic aberration analysis and correlative analysis between different pigments and L*a*b* values analysis also suggested front and back leaf color change was correlated with the above four pigments. The genes involved in leaf coloration were identified through transcriptome sequence. The expression levels of chlorophyll synthesis and degradation related genes, carotenoid synthesis related genes and anthocyanin synthesis genes showed up-/down-regulated expression in different color leaves and were consistent of accumulation of these pigments. It was suggested that they were the candidate genes regulated perilla leaf color formation, and genes including F3'H, F3H, F3',5'H, DFR, and ANS are probably important for regulating both front and back leaf purple formation. Transcription factors involved in anthocyanin accumulation, and regulating leaf coloration were also identified. Finally, the probable scheme of regulated both full green and full purple leaf coloration and back leaf coloration was postulated.
Topics: Transcriptome; Anthocyanins; Perilla frutescens; Gene Expression Profiling; Pigmentation; Plant Leaves; Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 37155022
DOI: 10.1007/s11103-023-01342-8 -
Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics 2021To assess the influence of elastomeric ligatures, subjected to a previous in vitro pigmentation process using different substances, on smile aesthetics during...
AIM
To assess the influence of elastomeric ligatures, subjected to a previous in vitro pigmentation process using different substances, on smile aesthetics during orthodontic treatment, from the perception of students and professionals.
METHODS
Eight elastomeric ligatures of five commercial brands (3M/Unitek, American Orthodontics, Morelli, Ortho Technology, and Orthometric) (n=8) were immersed in coffee, Coca-Cola, and red wine for one minute per day, for 28 days; and another group of ligatures was immersed in artificial saliva. All samples were photographed and subsequently analyzed using the Adobe Photoshop software, by the RGB method. Afterwards, the pigmented ligatures were inserted in a patient wearing orthodontic brackets, and zoomed photographs of the smile were taken and presented to 40 evaluators, who filled in a satisfaction scale sheet to express their opinion on the smile aesthetics of each photograph. The color data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests.
RESULTS
The substance with the highest pigmentation potential was coffee (p< 0.05) followed by red wine (p< 0.05). Comparison among the brands used in this study showed that American Orthodontics and Orthometric had the lowest degree of pigmentation when immersed in coffee and red wine (p< 0.05), respectively. However, the brand that showed the highest level of satisfaction among the evaluators was Ortho Technology.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of pigmented elastomeric ligatures affected smile aesthetics, when compared with the control group.
Topics: Elastomers; Esthetics, Dental; Humans; Materials Testing; Orthodontic Brackets; Pigmentation
PubMed: 34008739
DOI: 10.1590/2177-6709.26.2.e2119199.oar