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PubMed1994

Genetic models for the inheritance of the silver colour mutation of foxes.

We consider genetic models for the inheritance of the particular colour patterns of silver foxes. The models are evaluated by computation of statistical likelihoods based on observations of related foxes in extended pedigrees. Problems caused by incomplete paternity information are addressed by inferences based on phenotypic observations. The unreliability of subjective evaluations of fur colour also provides difficulty, in particular crossfoxes emerge as being difficult to differentiate. No evidence of linkage between Agouti locus and Extension locus is found in this dataset.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Zinc-catalyzed oxidation of 5-S-cysteinyldopa to 2,2'-bi(2H-1,4-benzothiazine): tracking the biosynthetic pathway of trichochromes, the characteristic pigments of red hair.

Trichochromes, the peculiar pigments of red human hair, featuring the Delta(2,2)(')-bi(2H-1,4-benzothiazine) skeleton, are known to arise from cysteinyldopas, mainly the 5-S-isomer (5). However, the mode of formation and the direct precursors have remained largely undefined. To fill this gap, we investigated the oxidation of 5 in air or with chemical and enzymatic agents under biomimetic conditions. In the presence of zinc ions, which occur in epidermal tissues at significant concentrations, the reaction course is diverted toward the formation of a labile 3-carboxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazine intermediate (11), which was identified by direct NMR analysis. Structural formulation was supported by characterization of the analogous compound 13 isolated from oxidation of the model 5-methyl-3-S-cysteinylcatechol (12) after methylation. In the further stages of the oxidation, diastereomeric 2,2'-bi(2H-1,4-benzothiazine) 15 and 14 were obtained from 5 and 12, respectively, the reaction proceeding at a higher rate and to a greater extent in the presence of acids. The dimers were shown to readily convert to each other in the presence of acids. In the case of the methylated dimers 14, a 2,2'-bi(4H-1,4-benzothiazine) intermediate (16) was isolated and characterized. In acidic media, trichochrome C (1a), the most abundant in red human hair, was smoothly formed from aerial oxidation of 15, and under similar conditions, trichochrome-related products (17 and 18) were obtained from 14 prior to or after methylation. The presence of 1a and precursors 5 and 15 was investigated by HPLC analysis of red hair samples following mild proteolytic digestion. On the basis of these data, a likely biosynthetic route to trichochrome pigments of red human hair is depicted.

Carcinogens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Directional and anteroposterior asymmetry of common white markings in the legs of the Arabian horse: response to selection.

Arabian bay horses manifest, on the average, more common white markings in their hind legs than their forelegs (anteroposterior asymmetry) and more common white markings in their left legs than their right legs (directional asymmetry). To determine if genetic variation exists for these types of asymmetry, the phenotypic response was studied in bay foals when their dams and sires were selected for the directions of fore-hind and left-right differences. In the fore-hind studies, the quantitative shifts in the bay foals were in the direction specified by the selection scheme and the observed deviations were all statistically significant. The shifts were also consistently in the direction favored by selection in the left-right studies, but only two of six observed deviations were statistically significant using a one-tailed test of significance. Thus, only marginal statistical evidence is available to support the observed consistent responses to selection in the left-right studies. These differential responses are reflected in the magnitudes of the heritability estimates. Based on the overall results, it is concluded that both types of asymmetry have a genetic basis in the Arabian horse, but much more genetic variation is present for anteroposterior asymmetry than for directional asymmetry.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A comparison of the germline potential of differently aged ES cell lines and their transfected descendants.

The germline transmission (g.l.t.) of gene trap or gene targeted mutations by ES-cell-derived chimaeric mice is a crucial step in the generation of stable transgenic lines. The wild-type ES cell lines CJ7, D3 and R1 of different passage numbers and their transfected clone-descendants generated in gene targeting or gene trap experiments were tested for their ability to colonize the germline. The maximal g.l.t. age for wild-type ES cells was equal to passage 26 and for transfected clones was equivalent to passage 32 of parental lines. It is shown that wild-type ES cells of less than a passage 15 should be used for effective production of transgenic g.l.t. clones. A simple system is outlined to evaluate the probability of g.l.t. on the basis of the chimaeric progeny obtained.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Time course of ultraviolet B-induced erythema in people with red hair harbouring homozygous melanocortin 1 receptor mutations.

It has previously been reported that the time course of erythema may be delayed in those with sun-sensitive skin types and those with skin cancer. One molecular explanation for this putative phenotype would be that it is caused by mutations of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). In the present study of 20 persons, 10 of whom were MC1R homozygous, we measured erythema over a 21-day period in response to a range of ultraviolet B doses using methods that improved on previous studies. We could detect no consistent differences in ultraviolet radiation-induced erythema between the groups studied. The pharmacological mechanisms underpinning such prolonged inflammatory responses merit further investigation.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2000

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R): more than just red hair.

The melanocortin 1 receptor, a seven pass transmembrane G protein coupled receptor, is a key control point in melanogenesis. Loss-of-function mutations at the MC1R are associated with a switch from eumelanin to phaeomelanin production, resulting in a red or yellow coat colour. Activating mutations, in animals at least, lead to enhanced eumelanin synthesis. In man, a number of loss-of-function mutations in the MC1R have been described. The majority of red-heads (red-haired persons) are compound heterozygotes or homozygotes for up to five frequent loss-of-function mutations. A minority of redheads are, however, only heterozygote. The MC1R is, therefore, a major determinant of sun sensitivity and a genetic risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Recent work suggests that the MC1R also shows a clear heterozygote effect on skin type, with up to 30% of the population harbouring loss-of-function mutations. Activating mutations of the MC1R in man have not been described. The MC1R is particularly informative and a tractable gene for studies of human evolution and migration. In particular, study of the MC1R may provide insights into the lightening of skin colour observed in most European populations. The world wide pattern of MC1R diversity is compatible with functional constraint operating in Africa, whereas the greater allelic diversity seen in non-African populations is consistent with neutral predictions rather than selection. Whether this conclusion is as a result of weakness in the statistical testing procedures applied, or whether it will be seen in other pigment genes will be of great interest for studies of human skin colour evolution.

Alleles↗
PubMed2003

1,4-benzothiazines as key intermediates in the biosynthesis of red hair pigment pheomelanins.

Following the discovery of cysteinyldopas as the early intermediates in the biogenesis of pheomelanins, the typical red hair pigments, the reactivity of the biosynthetic precursors under biomimetic conditions was extensively investigated. As a result, the early stages of pheomelanogenesis were envisaged as involving oxidative cyclization of cysteinyldopas, mainly the 5-S-isomer, to 1,4-benzothiazine (BTZ) intermediates which undergo oxidative polymerization leading eventually to the pigments. In the last decade, several aspects of the chemistry and biosynthesis of pheomelanins were re-examined. In particular, (i) transient BTZ intermediates were identified by pulse radiolytic techniques and NMR analysis; (ii) the effect of reaction conditions and additives on the rearrangement vs. redox exchange reaction paths of such intermediates were investigated in detail; (iii) the mechanism of the oxidative polymerization of BTZs was characterized by the first isolation of oligomer species, and (iv) the pigment eventually resulting from oxidation of 5-S-cysteinyldopa (CD) was directly analyzed by spectroscopic and chemical methodologies in comparison with pheomelanins isolated from human hair. These advances led eventually to an integrated picture of the biogenetic route highlighting the intervention of various chemical and enzymatic factors which affect the kinetics of the different steps and the nature of the key benzothiazine precursors. A likely biogenetic route was also postulated for the delta2,2'-bi(2H-1,4-benzothiazine) pigments, termed trichochromes, whose origin had remained an open issue since their first isolation from red human hair and avian feathers. Finally, a more detailed description of the structure of pheomelanin pigments in terms of the monomer units, their mode of linking, and postsynthetic modifications was gained.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Eumelanin is a major determinant for 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) incorporation into hair of mice.

Mice with different hair pigmentation were studied to evaluate the role of melanin in the incorporation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) into hair. Mice C57BL/6J-c2j/+ (white), C57BL/6J-Ay (yellow), C57L/J (grey), C57BR/cdJ (brown) and C57BL/6J (black) were dosed with PhIP: 7-9 days old (total amount: 0.006 or 0.58 mg/kg b.wt., for 4 days) and adults (total amount 50 mg/kg b.wt. during 8 weeks). Hair was collected either 30 days after the last PhIP administration (new-born mice) or 8 weeks after the first administration (adult mice). PhIP was incorporated into black hair to a greater extent than into brown, grey, yellow and non-pigmented hair. The concentration of PhIP in the hair of new-born mice exposed to 0.58 mg PhIP/kg b.wt. were (mean+/-S.D.): 328+/-135 (black), 134+/-41 (brown), 9.1+/-1.2 (yellow) and 5.2+/-1.4 (white) ng/g hair. The PhIP concentrations in the hair of adult mice exposed to 50 mg/kg b.wt. were: 4750+/-1449 (black), 810+/-235 (brown), 541+/-119 (grey), 35.5+/-4.6 (yellow) and 21.6+/-8.8 (white) ng/g, and the eumelanin hair concentration in the same animals decreased in a similar pattern. A linear relationship (r2= 1.00, P<0.0001) between the relative PhIP incorporation and the eumelanin concentration in hair was found.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Obesity in the mouse model of pro-opiomelanocortin deficiency responds to peripheral melanocortin.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides (the melanocortins adrenocorticotropin, alpha-, beta- and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone; and the endogenous opioid beta-endorphin) have a diverse array of biological activities, including roles in pigmentation, adrenocortical function and regulation of energy stores, and in the immune system and the central and peripheral nervous systems. We show here that mice lacking the POMC-derived peptides have obesity, defective adrenal development and altered pigmentation. This phenotype is similar to that of the recently identified human POMC-deficient patients. When treated with a stable alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone agonist, mutant mice lost more than 40% of their excess weight after 2 weeks. Our results identify the POMC-null mutant mouse as a model for studying the human POMC-null syndrome, and indicate the therapeutic use of peripheral melanocortin in the treatment of obesity.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1999

Epigenetic inheritance at the agouti locus in the mouse.

Epigenetic modifications have effects on phenotype, but they are generally considered to be cleared on passage through the germ line in mammals, so that only genetic traits are inherited. Here we describe the inheritance of an epigenetic modification at the agouti locus in mice. In viable yellow ( A(vy)/a) mice, transcription originating in an intra-cisternal A particle (IAP) retrotransposon inserted upstream of the agouti gene (A) causes ectopic expression of agouti protein, resulting in yellow fur, obesity, diabetes and increased susceptibility to tumours. The pleiotropic effects of ectopic agouti expression are presumably due to effects of the paracrine signal on other tissues. Avy mice display variable expressivity because they are epigenetic mosaics for activity of the retrotransposon: isogenic Avy mice have coats that vary in a continuous spectrum from full yellow, through variegated yellow/agouti, to full agouti (pseudoagouti). The distribution of phenotypes among offspring is related to the phenotype of the dam; when an A(vy) dam has the agouti phenotype, her offspring are more likely to be agouti. We demonstrate here that this maternal epigenetic effect is not the result of a maternally contributed environment. Rather, our data show that it results from incomplete erasure of an epigenetic modification when a silenced Avy allele is passed through the female germ line, with consequent inheritance of the epigenetic modification. Because retrotransposons are abundant in mammalian genomes, this type of inheritance may be common.

Agouti Signaling Protein↗
PubMed1989

Hair light guide.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Fiber Optic Technology↗
PubMed1991

Novel myosin heavy chain encoded by murine dilute coat colour locus.

Hundreds of murine dilute mutations have been identified and analysed, making dilute one of the best genetically characterized of all mammalian loci. The recessive dilute (d) coat colour mutation carried by many inbred strains of mice produces a lightening of coat colour, caused by an abnormal adendritic melanocyte morphology that results in an uneven release of pigment granules into the developing hair shaft. Most dilute alleles (dilute-lethal) also produce a neurological defect, characterized by convulsions and opisthotonus, apparent at 8-10 days of age and continuing until the death of the animal at 2-3 weeks of age. The discovery that the original dilute allele (now termed dilute-viral or dV) is the result of the integration of an ecotropic murine leukaemia provirus has allowed the cloning of genomic DNA and in this study complementary DNA, from the dilute locus. The predicted dilute amino-acid sequence indicates that dilute encodes a novel type of myosin heavy chain, with a tail, or C-terminal, region that has elements of both type II (alpha-helical coiled-coil) and type I (non-coiled-coil) myosin heavy chains. Dilute transcripts are differentially expressed in both embryonic and adult tissues and are very abundant in neurons of the central nervous system, cephalic ganglia, and spinal ganglia. These results suggest an important role for the dilute gene product in the elaboration, maintenance, or function of cellular processes of melanocytes and neurons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

A yeast artificial chromosome covering the tyrosinase gene confers copy number-dependent expression in transgenic mice.

Expression of transgenes in mice often fails to follow the normal temporal and spatial pattern and to reach the same level as the endogenous copies. Only in exceptional cases has position-independent and copy number-dependent expression been reproduced. The size constraint of standard constructs may prevent the inclusion of important remote regulatory elements. Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) provide a means of cloning large DNA fragments and the transfer of YAC DNA into somatic cells has been reported. We have previously produced transgenic mice carrying a 35 kilobase YAC construct. Here we report the transfer of a 250 kilobase YAC covering the mouse tyrosinase gene into mice by pronuclear injection of gel-purified YAC DNA. The YAC was inserted into the mouse genome without major rearrangements and expression of the YAC-borne tyrosinase gene resulted in complete rescue of the albino phenotype of the recipient mice. Expression from the transgene reached levels comparable to that of the endogenous gene and showed copy number dependence and position independence.

Animals↗