Dynamic pigmentary and structural coloration within cephalopod chromatophore organs

Thomas L. Williams, Stephen L. Senft, Jingjie Yeo, Francisco J. Martín-Martínez, Alan M. Kuzirian, Camille A. Martin, Christopher W. DiBona, Chun-Teh Chen, Sean R. Dinneen, Hieu T. Nguyen, Conor M. Gomes, Joshua J. C. Rosenthal, Matthew D. MacManes, Feixia Chu, Markus J. Buehler, Roger T. Hanlon () and Leila F. Deravi ()
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Thomas L. Williams: Northeastern University
Stephen L. Senft: The Marine Biological Laboratory
Jingjie Yeo: Tufts University
Francisco J. Martín-Martínez: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Alan M. Kuzirian: The Marine Biological Laboratory
Camille A. Martin: Northeastern University
Christopher W. DiBona: Northeastern University
Chun-Teh Chen: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sean R. Dinneen: Northeastern University
Hieu T. Nguyen: and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
Conor M. Gomes: Northeastern University
Joshua J. C. Rosenthal: The Marine Biological Laboratory
Matthew D. MacManes: and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
Feixia Chu: and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire
Markus J. Buehler: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Roger T. Hanlon: The Marine Biological Laboratory
Leila F. Deravi: Northeastern University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Chromatophore organs in cephalopod skin are known to produce ultra-fast changes in appearance for camouflage and communication. Light-scattering pigment granules within chromatocytes have been presumed to be the sole source of coloration in these complex organs. We report the discovery of structural coloration emanating in precise register with expanded pigmented chromatocytes. Concurrently, using an annotated squid chromatophore proteome together with microscopy, we identify a likely biochemical component of this reflective coloration as reflectin proteins distributed in sheath cells that envelop each chromatocyte. Additionally, within the chromatocytes, where the pigment resides in nanostructured granules, we find the lens protein Ω- crystallin interfacing tightly with pigment molecules. These findings offer fresh perspectives on the intricate biophotonic interplay between pigmentary and structural coloration elements tightly co-located within the same dynamic flexible organ - a feature that may help inspire the development of new classes of engineered materials that change color and pattern.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08891-x

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