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PubMed1991

Tandemly repeating peptide motifs and their secondary structure in Ceratitis capitata eggshell proteins Ccs36 and Ccs38.

Evidence from amino acid composition, Fourier transform analysis of primary structure and secondary structure prediction suggests a tripartite structure for Ceratitis capitata eggshell proteins Ccs36 and Ccs38, which consists of a central domain and two flanking 'arms'. The proteins, apparently, contain tandemly repeating peptide motifs specific for each domain of the tripartite structure. The central domain of both proteins, which exhibits extensive sequence homology with the corresponding domains of Drosophila melanogaster proteins s36 and s38, is formed by tandem repeats of an octapeptide-X-X-X-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z- (where X = large hydrophobic residue and Z = beta-turn former residue) and its variants. It is predicted to adopt a compact, most probably twisted, antiparallel beta-pleated sheet structure of beta-sheet strands regularly alternating with beta-turns or loops. The central domains of Ccs36 and Ccs38 share structural similarities, but they are recognizably different. The 'arms' of the proteins presumably serving for protein and species-specific functions differ substantially from those of Drosophila melanogaster. In Ccs36, the C-terminal 'arm' is formed by, almost precise, tandem repeats of an octapeptide-Y-X-A-A-P-A-A-S- (X = G or S), whereas the N-terminal 'arm' contains repeats of the octapeptide -Z-Z-Z-A-X-A-A-Z- (X = Q, N or E and Z a beta-turn former). In both 'arms' alpha-helices are predicted, alternating with beta-turns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Eggshell precursor proteins of Fasciola hepatica, I. Structure and expression of vitelline protein B.

Antibody raised against the major eggshell protein of Fasciola hepatica (vitelline protein B, vpB) is employed to isolate cDNAs from an expression library and to localize the protein in whole worms. Two cDNAs corresponding to the protein are homologous through the N-terminal and C-terminal coding regions and widely divergent internally. No repeated regions are apparent and no significant sequence homology is seen with chorion proteins of other genera although the amino acid composition closely reflects that of other chorion proteins. Microheterogeneity observed in the vpB is due to the presence of multiple coding sequences, transcripts and a gradient of post-translational modification. Relative transcription of the vpB mRNA throughout the female reproductive tract is demonstrated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1985

Relation between Ca2+ uptake and ATPase activity in the particulate fractions of the eggshell gland mucosa of the domestic fowl and duck.

The relation between the rates of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake and ATP hydrolysis was studied in homogenates of eggshell gland mucosa and its subcellular fractions from the domestic fowl and duck. The Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity was 5-10% of that of the "basal" Mg2+-ATPase at an optimal Ca2+ concentration in the subfractions. The presence of K+ and/or Na+ increased the rate of Ca2+ uptake and the Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity; the effects of K+-Na+ were not inhibited by ouabain. The Ca/P ratio varied with the experimental conditions. At 10(-4) M Ca2+ and in the absence of K+ Na+ it was 0.8, and in their presence 0.4.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1984

The lack of relationships between vitamin D3 metabolites and calcium-binding protein in the eggshell gland of laying birds.

The relationship of the metabolism of vitamin D3 and calcium-binding protein (CaBP) to calcium transport by the eggshell gland (ESG) was assessed in chickens. Plasma or ESG 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and ESG CaBP were no different between periods of ESG inactivity and of shell calcification. A severe dietary calcium deficiency resulted in increased kidney 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase activity (542%), plasma and ESG 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations (193 and 274%, respectively), but in decreased ESG CaBP (34%), associated with the production of poorly calcified eggs. Significant correlations were found between 25 hydroxycholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase, plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and ESG 1,25(OH)2D3, but not between ESG 1,25(OH)2D3 and CaBP. Hens with a low shell density had a significantly lower (55%) ESG CaBP than those with high shell density, without any significant change in ESG 1,25(OH)2D3. Significant correlations were found between ESG CaBP and shell calcium. Total receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 were lower in ESG than in the intestine. The results suggest that CaBP level and calcium transport in the ESG are not regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗
PubMed1979

Structural and image analysis of a crystalline layer from dipteran eggshell.

A crystalline layer has been identified as a constituent of the eggshell in the dipteran Drosophila melanogaster. This 400A thick intermediate chorionic layer (ICL) is composed of eight 50A thick sublayers and lies between the vitelline membrane and the endochorion. Whole mount views of isolated ICL after negative staining reveal P2 planar periodicity which, when analyzed further by optical diffraction and filtering, showed 1st (100A), 2nd, 3rd and 4th order reflections.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A structural protein that plays an enzymatic role in the eggshell of Drosophila melanogaster.

E.S.P. is responsible for the hardening process of the egg-shell at the end of oogenesis (stage 14B) and constitutes a structural component. By immunoblotting, using polyclonal rabbit anti-HRP antibody and anti-rabbit IgG-HRP or Protein A-1251 as second antibody, one major band with MW 38KD on nitrocellulose filter showed positive reaction. We conclude that the E.S.P. is identical to the S38 chorionic protein. Morphological immunogold staining, using pre-embedding procedure, revealed positive reaction in the innermost chorionic layer (ICL) and the endochorion of the eggshell. In addition, electron probe X-ray microanalysis revealed the existence of 37% calcium (explained since the enzyme is Ca2(+)-activated) and 5% iron (explained due to the fact that it is a haemoprotein).

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Trans-acting amplification mutants and other eggshell mutants of the third chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster.

We report on the characterization of five third chromosome mutations with strong effects on the formation of the eggshell or chorion. Three mutations, defining two loci, result in substantially reduced follicle cell-specific amplification of the major chorion structural genes and, hence, in underproduction of the corresponding mRNAs and proteins. The other two mutations, though displaying structural chorion abnormalities, appear to have no significant effect on amplification and to express normally the major chorion structural genes. The possible nature of these mutations is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Improving turkey poult quality by correcting incubator humidity to match eggshell conductance.

One of the most important factors determining hatchability of avian eggs is their proper water budget during incubation. We show here that water budget changes of turkey eggs effect not only hatchability but also poult quality. In addition to an increase in hatchability of 3.3%, poult quality was increased by 7.3%. This was achieved by sorting eggs into low (less than 18.5), medium (18.5 to 22.0) and high (greater than 22.0) eggshell mass-specific water vapour, conductance categories and incubating them in matching incubation humidities of 21.8, 26.6 and 31.4 Torr, corresponding to relative humidities of 45, 55 and 65% at 37.5 degrees C, respectively. A total diffusive water loss of 11.5% (range 10 to 14%) of the initial egg mass in 25 d of incubation yielded maximal hatchability and poult quality.

Animals↗
PubMed1972

Specific protein synthesis in cellular differentiation. Production of eggshell proteins by silkmoth follicular cells.

Silkmoth follicles, arranged in a precise developmental sequence within the ovariole, yield pure and uniform populations of follicular epithelial cells highly differentiated for synthesis of the proteinaceous eggshell (chorion). These cells can be maintained and labeled efficiently in organ culture; their in vitro (and cell free) protein synthetic activity reflects their activity in vivo. During differentiation the cells undergo dramatic changes in protein synthesis. For 2 days the cells are devoted almost exclusively to production of distinctive chorion proteins of low molecular weight and of unusual amino acid composition. Each protein has its own characteristic developmental kinetics of synthesis. Each is synthesized as a separate polypeptide, apparently on monocistronic messenger RNA (mRNA), and thus reflects the expression of a distinct gene. The rapid changes in this tissue do not result from corresponding changes in translational efficiency. Thus, the peptide chain elongation rate is comparable for chorion and for proteins synthesized at earlier developmental stages (1.3-1.9 amino acids/sec); moreover, the spacing of ribosomes on chorion mRNA (30-37 codons per ribosome) is similar to that encountered in other eukaryotic systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Secretory kinetics in the follicular cells of silkmoths during eggshell formation.

Procedures for quantitative autoradiography were used for studying the process of secretion of eggshell (chorion) proteins in the follicular epithelium of silkmoths. The method was based on photometric measurements of the reflectance of vertically illuminated autoradiographic silver grains. Results were analyzed and plotted by computer. Secretory kinetics were also determined by analysis of labeled proteins in physically separated epithelium and chorion. Rapid accumulation of radioactivity into "clumps" visualized by light microscope autoradiography and evidence from preliminary electron microscope autoradiography indicate that, within 2 min from the time of synthesis, labeled chorion proteins move to Golgi regions scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The proteins begin to accumulate in the apical area 10-20 min later and to be discharged from the cell. The time for half-secretion is 20-25 min, and discharge is essentially complete 30-50 min after labeling. At the developmental stages examined, the kinetics of secretion appear to be similar for all proteins. Within the chorion the proteins rapidly assume a characteristic distribution, which varies for different developmental stages. Two relatively slow steps have been identified in secretion, associated with residence in Golgi regions and in the cell apex, respectively. By contrast, translocation of proteins across the cell and deposition of discharged proteins in the chorion are rapid steps.

Animals↗
PubMed1968

Chlorinated hydrocarbons and eggshell changes in raptorial and fish-eating birds.

Catastrophic declines of three raptorial species in the United States have been accompanied by decreases in eggshell thickness that began in 1947, have amounted to 19 percent or more, and were identical to phenomena reported in Britain. In 1967, shell thickness in herring gull eggs from five states decreased with increases in chlorinated hydrocarbon residues.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Dieldrin and DDT: effects on sparrow hawk eggshells and reproduction.

Patterns of reproductive failure in declining populations of several European and North American raptorial species were duplicated experimentally with captive American sparrow hawks Falco sparvcrius that were given a diet containing two commonly used organochlorine insecticides. Major effects on reproduction were increased egg disappearance, increased egg destruction by parent birds, and reduced eggshell thickness.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Parathyroid hormone responses to calcium stress during eggshell calcification.

PTH bioactivity during the egg-laying cycle of the chicken has been measured by the cytochemical bioassay for PTH. During the period of eggshell calcification, PTH bioactivity is elevated. After completion of the shell the plasma PTH falls to a low level but is slightly raised again 2 h after ovulation. These results indicate that changes in bioactive PTH play an important role in the calcium metabolism of the chicken during this physiological calcium stress.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Mutations in the Drosophila gene bullwinkle cause the formation of abnormal eggshell structures and bicaudal embryos.

Subcellular localization of gene products and cell migration are both critical for pattern formation during development. The bullwinkle gene is required in Drosophila for disparate aspects of these processes. In females mutant at the bullwinkle locus, the follicle cells that synthesize the dorsal eggshell filaments do not migrate properly, creating short, broad structures. Mosaic analyses demonstrate that wild-type BULLWINKLE function is required in the germ line for these migrations. Since the mRNA for gurken, the putative ligand that signals dorsal follicle cell fate, is correctly localized in bullwinkle mutants, we conclude that our bullwinkle alleles do not affect the dorsoventral polarity of the oocyte and thus must be affecting the follicle cell migrations in some other way. In addition, the embryos that develop from bullwinkle mothers are bicaudal. A KINESIN:beta-GALACTOSIDASE fusion protein is correctly localized to the posterior pole of bullwinkle oocytes during stage 9. Thus, the microtubule structure of the oocyte and general transport along it do not appear to be disrupted prior to cytoplasmic streaming. Unlike other bicaudal mutants, oskar mRNA is localized correctly to the posterior pole of the oocyte at stage 10. By early embryogenesis, however, some oskar mRNA is mislocalized to the anterior pole. Consistent with the mislocalization of oskar mRNA, a fraction of the VASA protein and nanos mRNA are also mislocalized to the anterior pole of bullwinkle embryos. Mislocalization of nanos mRNA to the anterior is dependent on functional VASA protein. Although the mirror-image segmentation defects appear to result from the action of the posterior group genes, germ cells are not formed at the anterior pole. The bicaudal phenotype is also germ-line dependent for bullwinkle. We suspect that BULLWINKLE interacts with the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix and is necessary for gene product localization and cell migration during oogenesis after stage 10a.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

The secretion of the eggshell of Schistocerca gregaria, analysis of the kinetics of secretion in vitro by light and electron microscope autoradiography.

The secretion of the 2 main layers (endochorion and exochorion) of the eggshell of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria was investigated using light and electron microscope autoradiography. Follicles undergoing endochorion secretion were labelled using a 3 min 'pulse' of [3H]leucine in vitro followed by a 0-115 min non-radioactive 'chase'. Immediately after the pulse the silver grains were distributed over the cytoplasm and organelles including rough endoplasmic reticulum, while by 2 and 5 min Golgi bodies contained radioactivity. By 12 min from the beginning of the chase the cell apex containing small secretory vesicles was labelled. By 20 min most of the silver grains were over the endochorion. The half-transport time (t50) was 14--15 min (from mid pulse), the lag time was 9--10 min and the percentage transport rate was 14--15% per min. When a 3 min pulse of [3H]galactose was used to label exochorion precursors, the shorter t50 (11 min) and the clumped grain distribution in light microscope autoradiographs after 0-min chase suggested that galactose was incorporated in Golgi bodies. The secretion of exochorion precursors appears to occur at a similar rate to that of endochorion precursors (approximately 15% per min). The results indicate that the follicle cells are among the fastest secreting cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Homeostasis as regulated by activated macrophage. IX. Enhancement effect of LPSw (a lipopolysaccharide from wheat flour) on hen egg-laying and breaking strength of eggshell.

Oral administration of LPSw (a lipopolysaccharide from wheat flour) given at 60 micrograms/hen/d in drinking water, markedly enhanced eggshell strength. The monthly percentage of eggs laid with a shell strength of more than 4 kg to the total number of eggs was 32% in the group given LPSw in drinking water while it was 12% in the control group given plain water. At the same time, LPSw caused a 30% enhancement of total monthly number of eggs laid over that of control.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Differential regulation of calbindin-D28K mRNA in the intestine and eggshell gland of the laying hen.

The effect of shell calcification and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) on calbindin-D28K (previously known as vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein) and calbindin mRNA was investigated in the intestine and eggshell gland (ESG) of juvenile female chicks, laying hens and non-laying female birds with active gonads. Increasing amounts of 1,25-(OH)2D3 were fed to laying hens and juvenile birds treated with oestradiol to develop the ESG. The intestinal concentration of calbindin was increased 30-fold by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in chicks treated with oestradiol and fed a vitamin D-deficient diet. In these same animals, 1,25-(OH)2D3 had no effect on the formation of calbindin mRNA or calbindin in the ESG even though fully viable 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors are present in this tissue. In laying birds fed adequate amounts of vitamin D3, intestinal, but not ESG, calbindin was increased by the addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to the diet. At the onset of egg production the concentrations of calbindin and calbindin mRNA were increased in the intestine and ESG. This increase occurred within the period of calcification of the first egg, through a process unaffected by vitamin D. Calcification of the first egg increased the concentration of calbindin in the ESG by eight- to tenfold, although the concentration of calbindin mRNA was increased by only two- to threefold. These results suggest that the induction of calbindin synthesis by 1,25-(OH)2D3 or by the egg calcification process is associated with an increase in the concentration of calbindin mRNA in the ESG and intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Collagens of the chicken eggshell membranes.

An immunohistochemical analysis of the eggshell membranes shows the occurrence of type X collagen while type I collagen was not detected by using an appropriate monoclonal antibody with untreated shell membranes. A positive immuno-reaction for type I collagen was obtained after digestion of the shell membranes with pepsin. These observations indicate the possibility that type I collagen epitope was masked by type X collagen and that type X collagen may serve as an inhibitory boundary for biomineralization.

Acetates↗