scholarly journals Effects of mutations in pigeonMc1rimplicate an expanded plumage color patterning regulatory network

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreyas Krishnan ◽  
Richard L. Cryberg
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Brown Pigment ◽  
Pigment Synthesis ◽  
Melanocortin 1 Receptor ◽  
Gene Segregation ◽  
Genomic Approach ◽  
Pigment Type ◽  
Coding Variants

AbstractStudies in mammals have shown that the Melanocortin 1 receptor occupies a pivotal role as a nexus for integrating paracrine and autocrine signals to regulate pigment production and type-switching between pheomelanin (red/yellow) and eumelanin (black/brown) pigment synthesis in melanocytes. Inactivating mutations in theMc1rgene are responsible for recessive pheomelanic reddening traits in several species, while mutations that increase activity cause dominant eumelanic darkening traits in mammals and birds. Previous efforts to associateMc1rcoding variants with color variation in pigeons (Columba livia) have yielded conflicting results. Applying a reverse genomic approach, we discovered a novel 500 base pair frameshifting deletion in pigeonMc1rthat likely inactivates the single-exon gene. Segregation analysis revealed complete cosegregation (LOD = 12.2) withsmoky(symbolsy), a recessive pigmentation trait reported in these pages by Willard F. Hollander 80 years ago. We coupled these findings with breeding tests to determine thatDirty(V), a dominant darkening trait, is allelic tosy, and identified two independentValleles, one of which is associated with melanic morphs of two other bird species. In contrast to observations thatMc1rinactivation results in uniform pheomelanic pelage in mammals, its loss in otherwise wild-type pigeons occurs without apparent pheomelanism, instead increasing plumage eumelanism while leaving black bar pattern elements of the tail and wing largely intact. These findings require reconsideration of Mc1r’s presumed role in pigment type-switching in birds, and suggest the existence of Mc1r-independent pathways for eumelanic pigmentation pattern regulation unknown in mammals.

scholarly journals Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of mutant yellow leaves provide insights into pigment synthesis and metabolism in Ginkgo biloba

BMC Genomics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqiong Wu ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Tongli Wang ◽  
Fuliang Cao ◽  
Guibin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Ginkgo Biloba ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Flavonoid Pathway ◽  
Pigment Synthesis ◽  
Normal Green ◽  
Leaf Coloration ◽  
Photosynthesis Pathway ◽  
Different Color ◽  
Leaf Mutants

Abstract Background Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is an excellent landscape species. Its yellow-green leaf mutants are ideal materials for research on pigment synthesis, but the regulatory mechanism of leaf coloration in these ginkgo mutants remains unclear. Results We compared the metabolomes and transcriptomes of green and mutant yellow leaves of ginkgo over the same period in this study. The results showed that the chlorophyll content of normal green leaves was significantly higher than that of mutant yellow leaves of ginkgo. We obtained 931.52M clean reads from different color leaves of ginkgo. A total of 283 substances in the metabolic profiles were finally detected, including 50 significantly differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). We identified these DEMs and 1361 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 37, 4, 3 and 13 DEGs involved in the photosynthesis, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. Moreover, integrative analysis of the metabolomes and transcriptomes revealed that the flavonoid pathway contained the upregulated DEM (−)-epicatechin. Fourteen DEGs from the photosynthesis pathway were positively or negatively correlated with the DEMs. Conclusions Our findings suggest a complex metabolic network in mutant yellow leaves. This study will provide a basis for studies of leaf color variation and regulation.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of coat color genes in Brazilian Crioula sheep from a conservation nucleus

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 615-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilian Cristina Gomes Cavalcanti ◽  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Danielle Assis de Faria ◽  
Concepta Margaret McManus ◽  
Alcebiades Renato Nepomuceno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coat Color ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Epistatic Interactions ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Melanocortin 1 Receptor ◽  
Tyrosinase Related Protein

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in resequencing data from MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 genes derived from Crioula sheep (Ovis aris) with different coat colors. Polymorphisms in the ASIP (agouti-signaling protein), MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), and TRYP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1) genes were analyzed in 115 sheep from Embrapa’s conservation nucleus of crioula sheep, in Brazil. A total of 7,914 bp were sequenced per animal, and 14 SNPs were identified. Two additional assays were performed to detect duplications and deletions in the ASIP gene. Ninety-five percent of the coat color variation was explained by epistatic interactions observed between specific alleles in the MC1R and ASIP genes. Evidence suggests an important role of TYRP1 variants for wool color, despite their low frequencies. The marker panel was efficient enough in predicting coat color in the studied animals and, therefore, can be used to implement a marker-assisted selection program in the conservation nucleus of sheep of the crioula breed.

scholarly journals Bird collisions with power lines in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-185
Author(s):  
A. F. Mammadov ◽  
A. Matsyura
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Electric Shock ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Red List ◽  
Power Lines ◽  
The World ◽  
The Dead ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Autonomous Republic

The article summarizes the results of research in four selected sites (observations) on the impact of surface power lines on bird death in the area of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in 2016-2017. Studies show that electrical wires have a major impact on bird death during the spring migration and nesting period. We determined that 225 individual of 27 species were killed by electric shock in selected areas, while 16 individuals belonging to 3 predator bird species were exposed to this threat. Two of these species are in the World Red List. The next plot with high mortality rate was the Cananbar well - Shikhmahmud plain (2 km), although we did not make a research here for the first two months. An average mortality rate of birds here were 2.72 individuals/km. The electric poles in the selected Nakhchivan - Shikhmahmud road (4 km) consisted mainly of wooden material and were sometimes replaced with reinforced concrete. We attribute the fact that the percentage of deaths in this area is lower than other stations because of the poles are more wooden. Among the dead birds some species belonging to the Red List of the World (Falco naumanni and Coracias garrulus). As we already mentioned, beside the overhead electric wires were mainly dangerous to Ciconia ciconia, Buteo rufinus and eagles. The dead and wounded species were recorded only one to four km from the electric line. Among the most common species exposed electric shocks were: Columba livia, Merops apiaster, Corvus frugilegus, Sturnus vulgaris and Passer domesticus. A total of 3,225 birds from 26 species were killed by the private electric shock during the study, four birds could not be identified (unknown species). When looking at the process from a landscape-species perspective, bird species - those most exposed to the electric wires are: less open, open space (loos); forest landscape (fl); residential areas (ra) and less grove areas (lga).

scholarly journals Two Genomic Loci Control Three Eye Colors in the Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T. Maclary ◽  
Bridget Phillips ◽  
Ryan Wauer ◽  
Elena F. Boer ◽  
Rebecca Bruders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Domestic Pigeon ◽  
Eye Color ◽  
Solute Carrier ◽  
Neural Crest Migration ◽  
Domestic Pigeons

ABSTRACTThe iris of the eye shows striking color variation across vertebrate species, and may play important roles in crypsis and communication. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia) has three common iris colors, orange, pearl (white), and bull (dark brown), segregating in a single species, thereby providing a unique opportunity to identify the genetic basis of iris coloration. We used comparative genomics and genetic mapping in laboratory crosses to identify two candidate genes that control variation in iris color in domestic pigeons. We identified a nonsense mutation in the solute carrier SLC2A11B that is shared among all pigeons with pearl eye color, and a locus associated with bull eye color that includes EDNRB2, a gene involved in neural crest migration and pigment development. However, bull eye is likely controlled by a heterogeneous collection of alleles across pigeon breeds. We also found that the EDNRB2 region is associated with regionalized plumage depigmentation (piebalding). Our results establish a genetic link between iris and plumage color, two traits that were long known by pigeon breeders to co-occur, and demonstrate the importance of gene duplicates in establishing possibilities and constraints in the evolution of color and color pattern among vertebrates.

scholarly journals Structure of the breeding bird community along the urban gradient in a town on the Zambezi River, north-eastern Namibia

Biologija ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Kopij
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Urban Gradient ◽  
Feeding Guild ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Urbanization Gradient ◽  
The Town ◽  
Zambezi River

A simplified mapping method was employed to quantify avian assemblages in three study plots in a modified riparian forest on the Zambezi River in the town of Katima Mulilo, NE Namibia. The plots were arranged along the urbanization gradient: plot A (34 ha; 0–1 km from centre of the town), plot B (27 ha; 1–2 km from the centre), and plot C (24 ha; 2–3 km from the centre; periphery). In total, 51 breeding bird species were recorded in all three plots. Five of them, Columba livia domestica, Passer diffusus, Pycnonotus tricolor, Streptopelia senegalensis, and Uraeginthus angolensis were classified as dominant species. The cumulative dominance was 69.9%. The overall population density of all breeding species increased with the urban gradient. In general, granivorous birds were by far the most numerous feeding guild comprising 68.7% of all breeding birds. Two other guilds, frugivorous and insectivorous birds, together comprised 28.9%. While the proportion of granivores decreased along the urban gradient from the town centre to its periphery, the proportion of insectivores increased. The proportion of birds nesting in/on buildings decreased, and the share of tree/shrub- and hole-nesting birds increased along the urban gradient. The diversity indices were relatively high in all plots. They decreased only slightly along the urban gradient (from the centre to the periphery). However, the Pielou’s Evenness Index was comparatively low, but on a slight increase along the urbanization gradient. The Sorensen Similarity Index was low, but the values of the three studied plots were very similar.

scholarly journals  Biologically active substances of bird skin: a review

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rajchard
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Carpodacus Mexicanus ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Repellent Effect ◽  
In The Wild

Bird skin has a number of specific properties. The uropygial gland is a significant skin gland in many species. The secretion of this gland is particularly necessary for maintaining physical characteristics, including feather waterproofing. In some bird species this gland secretion has a repellent effect against potential mammalian predators; in other species it affects the final colour of feathers. In the investigated species of storks (genus Ciconia), secretions of the uropygial gland have been found to be mixtures of monoester waxes, diester waxes, triester waxes and triglycerides. Wax diesters were also found in the red knot Calidris canutus (order Charadriiformes). Lipid substances in the secretions of the rock dove (Columba livia) consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (59% secretion; mostly oleic acid – 37%, linoleic acid – 6% and arachidonic acid – 7%). Free fatty acids, which are decomposition products of epidermal lipids, can regulate microbial colonization of skin (e.g., by modification of pH); a shift of these values was detected in poultry in battery husbandry. Analysis of fatty acids from lipids shows the influence of age, diet, and also the relationship to feather pecking – the individual composition affects the smell and taste, and thus the attractiveness to other individuals. The antibacterial activity of skin secretions has been demonstrated. Secretions of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) have besides the function of maintenance of physical properties of feathers also a repellent effect on parasites and predators. Its active substance is a peptide bacteriocin, produced by strains of Enterococcus faecalis. This substance is active against a number of both G + and G-bacteria and helps to sustain the nest hygiene, it is also effective against Bacillus licheniformis that produces keratin-decompositing enzymes. A similar antimicrobial activity of uropygial secretion against bacteria which degrade feathers was demonstrated in the wild house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Changes in skin microflora have been demonstrated in parrots kept for breeding in comparison with those living in the wild, which may have significance for husbandry practices and veterinary care. Passerines of the genus Pitohui and Ifrita living in New Guinea store in their skin and feather batrachotoxins, which they receive from food - beetles of the genus Choresine. These toxins are active against parasites (e.g. lice – Phthiraptera). In contrast, substances that act as potential attractants for hematophagous insects (e.g. mosquitoes of genus Culex) were found in the skin of chickens. Alcohols, ketones and diones were detected in these substances. The composition of uropygial gland secretions may be a guide in assessing the relatedness of bird species. Feather waxes can be analyzed also from old museum specimens. Lipid-enriched organelles, multigranular bodies in the epidermis mean that zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) are facultatively waterproof, which appears to have a function in protecting the organism against dehydrating when water is unavailable.

scholarly journals Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Related to Skin Color Differentiation in Red Tilapia

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenbin Zhu ◽  
Lanmei Wang ◽  
Zaijie Dong ◽  
Xingting Chen ◽  
Feibiao Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Color ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Pigment Synthesis ◽  
Red Tilapia ◽  
Specific Strain ◽  
Molecular Selection ◽  
Aquaculture Production ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Red tilapia is becoming more popular for aquaculture production in China in recent years. However, the pigmentation differentiation in genetic breeding is the main problem limiting its development of commercial red tilapia culture and the genetic basis of skin color variation is still unknown. In this study, we conducted Illumina sequencing of transcriptome on three color variety red tilapia. A total of 224,895,758 reads were generated, resulting in 160,762 assembled contigs that were used as reference contigs. The contigs of red tilapia transcriptome had hits in the range of 53.4% to 86.7% of the unique proteins of zebrafish, fugu, medaka, three-spined stickleback and tilapia. And 44,723 contigs containing 77,423 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, with 16,646 contigs containing more than one SSR. Three skin transcriptomes were compared pairwise and the results revealed that there were 148 common significantly differentially expressed unigenes and several key genes related to pigment synthesis, i.e. tyr, tyrp1, silv, sox10, slc24a5, cbs and slc7a11, were included. The results will facilitate understanding the molecular mechanisms of skin pigmentation differentiation in red tilapia and accelerate the molecular selection of the specific strain with consistent skin colors.

scholarly journals Crop Depredation by Birds in Deccan Plateau, India

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Ashokrao Kale ◽  
Nandkishor Dudhe ◽  
Raju Kasambe ◽  
Prosun Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Psittacula Krameri ◽  
Ploceus Philippinus ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Actual Field ◽  
Deccan Plateau ◽  
Sowing Period

Extent of crop depredation in agricultural fields of groundnut, pearl millet, peas, sorghum and sunflower was assessed in Pune, Akola and Amravati, the three productive districts of Maharashtra, India. The study included interviews with the farmers, identification of the bird species responsible for the crop depredation and actual field assessment of damage. The problem of crop depredation is severe for the crops mostly during harvesting season. Most farmers were not satisfied with the conventional bird repelling techniques. A maximum depredation was observed by Sorghum crops by house sparrows Passer domesticus, baya weavers Ploceus philippinus, and rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri, accounting to 52% of the total damage. Blue rock pigeons Columba livia damaged 42% of the peas crop (chick peas and pigeon peas), while house sparrows and baya weaver damaged the groundnut crop by 26% in the sampling plots. House sparrow Passer domesticus and baya weaver Ploceus philippinus damaged the groundnut crop in the sampling plots just after the sowing period. The sustainable solution for reducing crop depredation is a need for the farmers and also such techniques will help avoid direct or indirect effects of use of lethal bird control techniques on bird species.

scholarly journals Two Genomic Loci Control Three Eye Colors in the Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T Maclary ◽  
Bridget Phillips ◽  
Ryan Wauer ◽  
Elena F Boer ◽  
Rebecca Bruders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Color Variation ◽  
Domestic Pigeon ◽  
Eye Color ◽  
Evolution Of Birds ◽  
Solute Carrier ◽  
Neural Crest Migration ◽  
Domestic Pigeons

Abstract The iris of the eye shows striking color variation across vertebrate species, and may play important roles in crypsis and communication. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia) has three common iris colors, orange, pearl (white), and bull (dark brown), segregating in a single species, thereby providing a unique opportunity to identify the genetic basis of iris coloration. We used comparative genomics and genetic mapping in laboratory crosses to identify two candidate genes that control variation in iris color in domestic pigeons. We identified a nonsense mutation in the solute carrier SLC2A11B that is shared among all pigeons with pearl eye color, and a locus associated with bull eye color that includes EDNRB2, a gene involved in neural crest migration and pigment development. However, bull eye is likely controlled by a heterogeneous collection of alleles across pigeon breeds. We also found that the EDNRB2 region is associated with regionalized plumage depigmentation (piebalding). Our study identifies two candidate genes for eye colors variation, and establishes a genetic link between iris and plumage color, two traits that vary widely in the evolution of birds and other vertebrates.

scholarly journals Avifauna within the Main Campus of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 1246-1252
Author(s):  
Hassan A Rudayni
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Avian Diversity ◽  
Main Campus ◽  
Wiener Diversity Index ◽  
New Policies

Avian diversity of two zones within the main campus of IMSIU University was studied during the period from July 2019 to June 2020. A total number of 1,653 individual birds was recorded across the main campus which falls under fifteen species belonging to thirteen families. Out of this number, 760 individual of them were recorded in Zone-A versus 893 individual in Zone-B. Species richness in Zone-A was 15 while species richness in Zone-B was 13. Census index of the Birds was recorded as follows: 4.6 Birds/ha and 7.9 Birds/ha in both Zones A and B, respectively. Bird species sighted was higher in Zone-B as compared with Zone-A, as indicated by Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H) which accounts for 1.83 in Zone-A and 1.65 in Zone-B. Pigeon (Columba livia), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) were among the most frequently sighted. From the current study, it is recommended that Zone-B be pedestrianized for the enrichment and protection of the avian species. Also, new policies should be put forward by the relevant authority within the main campus to maintain avian diversity, such as expanding afforestation and green landscapes, in addition to the establishment of artificial lakes and ponds.

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