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Analysis of Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) Eggshell Proteome

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Abstract

The proteins and pigment of the eggshell of the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) were analysed. For proteomic analysis, various decalcification methods were used when the two main surface layers were analyzed. These layers are important for antimicrobial defense of egg (particularly the cuticle). We found 58 proteins in both layers, of which 4 were specific for the cuticle and 26 for the palisade (honeycomb) layer. Substantial differences between proteins in the eggshell of crocodile and previously described birds’ eggshells exist (both in terms of quality and quantity), however, the entire proteome of Crocodilians has not been described yet. The most abundant protein was thyroglobulin. The role of determined proteins in the eggshell of the Siamese crocodile is discussed. For the first time, the presence of porphyrin pigment is reported in a crocodilian eggshell, albeit in a small amount (about 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than white avian eggs).

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Acknowledgements

We greatly appreciate the donation of crocodile’s eggshells by Ing. Procházka from the Crocodile ZOO Protivín. Financial support from the Czech Science Foundation (GA CR) (15-01948S - IM, SP, AE and 16-02972S - DS) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic

    Ivan Mikšík, Statis Paradis, Adam Eckhardt & David Sedmera

  2. Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Prague 4, Czech Republic

    David Sedmera

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  1. Ivan Mikšík
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  2. Statis Paradis
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  3. Adam Eckhardt
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  4. David Sedmera
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Correspondence to Ivan Mikšík.

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Mikšík, I., Paradis, S., Eckhardt, A. et al. Analysis of Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) Eggshell Proteome. Protein J 37, 21–37 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10930-017-9750-x

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