Protein constituents of the eggshell: eggshell-specific matrix proteins

Rose, Megan L. H.; Hincke, Maxwell T.

doi:10.1007/s00018-009-0046-y

Cited by 84 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 94 publications

(154 reference statements)

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“…The organic matrix is responsible for controlling crystal orientation [54] and possibly crystal size [67] in the palisade layer, and it is therefore likely that protein matrices of cuckoo and host eggs differ in relation to their interactions with the growing calcite crystals [71,72] or the composition of specific shell matrix proteins [67]. We suggest further qualitative and quantitative analyses of protein composition between cuckoo and host eggshells as most previous proteomic analyses have involved either fowl or ratite eggshells ( [72] but see [73]). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Alternative mechanisms of increased eggshell hardness of avian brood parasites relative to host species

Igic

Braganza

Hyland

et al. 2011

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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Obligate brood parasitic birds lay their eggs in nests of other species and parasite eggs typically have evolved greater structural strength relative to host eggs. Increased mechanical strength of the parasite eggshell is an adaptation that can interfere with puncture ejection behaviours of discriminating hosts. We investigated whether hardness of eggshells is related to differences between physical and chemical traits from three different races of the parasitic common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, and their respective hosts. Using tools developed for materials science, we discovered a novel correlate of increased strength of parasite eggs: the common cuckoo's egg exhibits a greater microhardness, especially in the inner region of the shell matrix, relative to its host and sympatric non-host species. We then tested predictions of four potential mechanisms of shell strength: (i) increased relative thickness overall, (ii) greater proportion of the structurally harder shell layers, (iii) higher concentration of inorganic components in the shell matrix, and (iv) elevated deposition of a high density compound, MgCO 3 , in the shell matrix. We confirmed support only for hypothesis (i). Eggshell characteristics did not differ between parasite eggs sampled from different host nests in distant geographical sites, suggesting an evolutionarily shared microstructural mechanism of stronger parasite eggshells across diverse host-races of brood parasitic cuckoos.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Alternative mechanisms of increased eggshell hardness of avian brood parasites relative to host species

Igic

Braganza

Hyland

et al. 2011

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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“…OCX-36 gene arises from a tandem duplication of an ancestral BPI/LBP/PLUNC gene after the divergence of birds and mammals. Chicken and zebra finch OCX-36 exhibit a large degree of similarity throughout the protein sequence (56 % identity), indicating great conservation for this matrix protein between these species that are separated by almost 100 million years of evolution [29]. An antimicrobial role for OCX-36 protein has been proposed since its protein sequence shares significant similarity with LBP, BPI and PLUNC family proteins.…”

Section: Ocx-36 a Chicken Eggshell Protein Related To Lbp/bpi/plunc mentioning

confidence: 98%

Ovocalyxin-36 and other LBP/BPI/PLUNC-like proteins as molecular actors of the mechanisms of the avian egg natural defences

Gautron

Réhault-Godbert

Pascal

et al. 2011

Biochemical Society Transactions

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The chicken egg possesses physical and chemical barriers to protect the embryo from pathogens. OCX-36 (ovocalyxin-36) was suggested to be a 36 kDa eggshell-specific protein that is secreted by the regions of the oviduct responsible for eggshell formation. Its expression is strongly up-regulated during shell calcification. This protein was also detected in vitelline membrane and expressed in gut tissues. Analysis of the OCX-36 protein sequence revealed that OCX-36 is related to the BPI (bactericidal permeability-increasing proteins)/LBP [LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-binding proteins]/PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) superfamily, and that there are strong similarities between the exon/intron organization of the mammalian LBP/BPI and the avian OCX-36 genes. A recent study revealed that OCX-36 originates from a tandem duplication of an ancestral BPI/LBP/PLUNC gene, after the divergence of birds and mammals. Its antimicrobial activity was recently investigated and it was shown that OCX-36 binds to LPS from Escherichia coli. High-throughput methodologies have led to the identification of approximately 1000 new egg proteins. Among these are LBP/BPI proteins that might play a role in the natural defences of the egg to protect the embryo during its development in the external milieu, and may function to keep the table egg free of pathogens. The function of these BPI-like molecules is the subject of intense research to characterize their putative LPS-binding properties and antimicrobial activity.

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“…It is composed of inner calcified and outer non-calcified water insoluble layers which are deposited directly onto the vertical crystal layer of the eggshell (Rose and Hincke 2009;Kusuda et al 2011). Unfor-doi: 10.17221/46/2015-CJAS tunately not all avian eggs have a cuticle layer, and the distribution of cuticle is often patchy (Bain et al 2009;.…”

Section: Eggshell Structure and Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Eggshell structure, measurements, and quality-affecting factors in laying hens: a review

Ketta¹,

Tůmová²

2016

CZECH J ANIM SCI

119

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Eggshell quality is one of the most significant factors affecting poultry industry; it economically influences egg production and hatchability. Eggshell consists of shell membranes and the true shell that includes mammillary layer, palisade layer, and cuticle. Measurements of eggshell quality include eggshell weight, shell percentage, breaking strength, thickness, and density. Mainly eggshell thickness and strength are affected by the time of egg components passage through the shell gland (uterus), eggshell ultra-structure (deposition of major units), and micro-structure (crystals size and orientation). Shell quality is affected by several internal and external factors. Major factors determining the quality or structure of eggshell are oviposition time, age, genotype, and housing system. Eggshell quality can be improved through optimization of genotype, housing system, and mineral nutrition.

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Protein constituents of the eggshell: eggshell-specific matrix proteins

Cited by 84 publications

References 94 publications

Alternative mechanisms of increased eggshell hardness of avian brood parasites relative to host species

Alternative mechanisms of increased eggshell hardness of avian brood parasites relative to host species

Ovocalyxin-36 and other LBP/BPI/PLUNC-like proteins as molecular actors of the mechanisms of the avian egg natural defences

Eggshell structure, measurements, and quality-affecting factors in laying hens: a review

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