Disentangling the molecular mechanisms underlying yellow body coloration in a soft-shelled turtle.

ABSTRACT: While the functions of body coloration have been well characterized in many animal taxa, the molecular mechanisms governing its production remain poorly understood. This study investigated the genetic and biochemical basis of yellow body coloration in a mutant form of the Yongzhang golden soft-shelled turtle (YGT, Pelodiscus sinensis), which exhibit a striking yellow phenotype. Comparative pigment analysis revealed that YGTs have significantly lower melanin and higher carotenoid pigmentation compared to atrovirens wild-type turtles (AWTs), while pterin concentrations did not differ between the two groups. Functional validation experiments demonstrated that a single amino acid substitution (I481R) in tyrosinase-related protein 1 ( tyrp1) plays a pivotal role in the reduction o

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12000137 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature