DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The DCT gene (DCT stands for: Dopachrome tautomerase) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 13q32.1. The protein encoded by the DCT gene, L-dopachrome tautomerase TYRP2, plays a role in melanin biosynthesis (Pennamen P et al. 2021). Catalyzes the conversion of L-dopachrome to 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). An important paralog of this gene is TYRP1.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The encoded protein (L-dopachrome tautomerase/TYRP2) is thought to enable dopachrome isomerase activity. It is involved in the reaction to blue light. Located in intracellular, membrane-bound organelles and in the plasma membrane.
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Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.
Diseases associated with DCT include oculocutaneous albinism,type VIII. Related metabolic pathways include metabolism and regulation of expression of SLITs and ROBOs.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Of note, a study in Thai commercial chicken lines examined the effects of breed, sex and age on the gene expression of melanocortin-1 receptor(MC1R), DOPA chromium tautomerase (DCT), tyrosinase-related protein 1(TYRP1), tyrosinase (TYR) and agouti signaling protein(ASIP). The results show that breed has a significant influence (P < 0.01) on the expression level of the 5 genes studied.
Birds with black skin color had higher TYRP1 and TYR gene expression compared to chickens with light black or yellowish-white skin color. In contrast, chickens with yellowish-white skin color had higher ASIP gene expression compared to chickens with the other skin colors. Sex had a significant effect on DCT, TYRP1 and TYR gene expression, with higher gene expression in males than in females (P < 0.05). Age affected all gene expression levels (P < 0.01). At 4 weeks of age, MC1R, DCT, TYRP1 and TYR gene expression was highest and decreased as the birds aged (P < 0.05); however, ASIP gene expression was highest at 8 weeks of age. After 8 weeks of age, all gene expressions for the genes examined in this study decreased with increasing age.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Khumpeerawat P et al. (2021) Factors affecting gene expression associated with the skin color of black-bone chicken in Thailand. Poult Sci 100:101440.
- Pennamen P et al. (2021) Dopachrome tautomerase variants in patients with oculocutaneous albinism. Genet Med 23:479-487.
- Zhou S et al. (2021) Epigenetic regulation of melanogenesis. Ageing Res Rev 69:101349.
