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.
DCT gene
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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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Diseases associated with DCT include oculocutaneous albinism,type VIII. Related metabolic pathways include metabolism and regulation of expression of SLITs and ROBOs.
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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.