Dynamic pigmentary and structural coloration within cephalopod chromatophore organs

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08891-x
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01T11:06:43Z
• Authors: Thomas L. Williams; Stephen L. Senft; Jingjie Yeo; Francisco J. Mart...; Alan M. Kuzirian; Camille A. Martin; Christopher W. Di...; Chun-Teh Chen; Sean R. Dinneen; Hieu T. Nguyen; Conor M. Gomes; Joshua J. C. Rose...; Matthew D. MacManes; Feixia Chu; Markus J. Buehler; Roger T. Hanlon; Leila F. Deravi
• Keywords: Cephalopod; Camouflage; Melanosome; Structural Coloration; octopus (software)

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