Shatadru Roy

This study identifies mutations affecting melaninization in parrots, focusing on non-sex-linked lutino (NSL) and cinnamon color morphs. TYR mutations underlie the NSL phenotype in Fischer's lovebird and green-cheeked parakeet, while TYRP1 mutations drive the cinnamon phenotype in rose-ringed parakeets. These findings highlight tyrosinase and related enzymes' role in parrot coloration through the evolutionary conservation of melanogenesis pathways.

Abstract Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are crucial multidomain enzymes in diverse natural product biosynthesis. Parrots use a type I PKS to produce a unique pigment called psittacofulvin in their feathers. In domesticated budgerigars and lovebirds, the same amino acid substitution (R644W) within malonyl/acetyltransferase (MAT) domain of this enzyme has been shown to cause the blue phenotype with no psittacofulvin pigmentation, proposing a strong evolutionary constraint on the mechanism.

Abstract Bird plumage coloration is a complex and multi-factorial process that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Diverse pigment groups contribute to plumage variation in different birds. In parrots, the predominant green color results from the combination of two different primary colors- yellow and blue.