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A Distinct Saponin Profile Drives an Olfactory-Mediated Aggregation in the Aquacultivated Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030184. [PMID: 36976233 PMCID: PMC10053547 DOI: 10.3390/md21030184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific chemical communication between echinoderms has often been limited to prespawning aggregation. However, sea cucumber farmers have long observed year-round adult aggregation as a potential source of disease propagation and the suboptimal use of available sea pen acreage and food resources. In this study, through spatial distribution statistics, we demonstrated the significant aggregation of the aquacultivated sea cucumber Holothuria scabra both as adults in large sea-based pens and as juveniles in laboratory-based aquaria, proving that aggregation in these animals is not only observed during spawning. The role of chemical communication in aggregation was investigated using olfactory experimental assays. Our study established that the sediment that H. scabra feeds on as well as the water preconditioned by conspecifics induced positive chemotaxis in juvenile individuals. More specifically, through comparative mass spectrometry, a distinct triterpenoid saponin profile/mixture was identified to be a pheromone allowing sea cucumber intraspecific recognition and aggregation. This “attractive” profile was characterized as containing disaccharide saponins. This “attractive” aggregation-inducing saponin profile was, however, not conserved in starved individuals that were no longer attractive to other conspecifics. In summary, this study sheds new light on the pheromones in echinoderms. It highlights the complexity of the chemical signals detected by sea cucumbers and suggests a role of saponins well beyond that of a simple toxin.
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Horse Chestnut Saponins-Escins, Isoescins, Transescins, and Desacylescins. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052087. [PMID: 36903330 PMCID: PMC10004172 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Escins constitute an abundant family of saponins (saponosides) and are the most active components in Aesculum hippocastanum (horse chestnut-HC) seeds. They are of great pharmaceutical interest as a short-term treatment for venous insufficiency. Numerous escin congeners (slightly different compositions), as well as numerous regio-and stereo-isomers, are extractable from HC seeds, making quality control trials mandatory, especially since the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the escin molecules remains poorly described. In the present study, mass spectrometry, microwave activation, and hemolytic activity assays were used to characterize escin extracts (including a complete quantitative description of the escin congeners and isomers), modify the natural saponins (hydrolysis and transesterification) and measure their cytotoxicity (natural vs. modified escins). The aglycone ester groups characterizing the escin isomers were targeted. A complete quantitative analysis, isomer per isomer, of the weight content in the saponin extracts as well as in the seed dry powder is reported for the first time. An impressive 13% in weight of escins in the dry seeds was measured, confirming that the HC escins must be absolutely considered for high-added value applications, provided that their SAR is established. One of the objectives of this study was to contribute to this development by demonstrating that the aglycone ester functions are mandatory for the toxicity of the escin derivative, and that the cytotoxicity also depends on the relative position of the ester functions on the aglycone.
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Savarino P, Contino C, Colson E, Cabrera-Barjas G, De Winter J, Gerbaux P. Impact of the Hydrolysis and Methanolysis of Bidesmosidic Chenopodium quinoa Saponins on Their Hemolytic Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103211. [PMID: 35630692 PMCID: PMC9144749 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Saponins are specific metabolites abundantly present in plants and several marine animals. Their high cytotoxicity is associated with their membranolytic properties, i.e., their propensity to disrupt cell membranes upon incorporation. As such, saponins are highly attractive for numerous applications, provided the relation between their molecular structures and their biological activities is understood at the molecular level. In the present investigation, we focused on the bidesmosidic saponins extracted from the quinoa husk, whose saccharidic chains are appended on the aglycone via two different linkages, a glycosidic bond, and an ester function. The later position is sensitive to chemical modifications, such as hydrolysis and methanolysis. We prepared and characterized three sets of saponins using mass spectrometry: (i) bidesmosidic saponins directly extracted from the ground husk, (ii) monodesmosidic saponins with a carboxylic acid group, and (iii) monodesmosidic saponins with a methyl ester function. The impact of the structural modifications on the membranolytic activity of the saponins was assayed based on the determination of their hemolytic activity. The natural bidesmosidic saponins do not present any hemolytic activity even at the highest tested concentration (500 µg·mL−1). Hydrolyzed saponins already degrade erythrocytes at 20 µg·mL−1, whereas 100 µg·mL−1 of transesterified saponins is needed to induce detectable activity. The observation that monodesmosidic saponins, hydrolyzed or transesterified, are much more active against erythrocytes than the bidesmosidic ones confirms that bidesmosidic saponins are likely to be the dormant form of saponins in plants. Additionally, the observation that negatively charged saponins, i.e., the hydrolyzed ones, are more hemolytic than the neutral ones could be related to the red blood cell membrane structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Savarino
- Organic Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (S²MOs), University of Mons—UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (P.S.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (J.D.W.)
| | - Carolina Contino
- Organic Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (S²MOs), University of Mons—UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (P.S.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (J.D.W.)
| | - Emmanuel Colson
- Organic Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (S²MOs), University of Mons—UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (P.S.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (J.D.W.)
| | - Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas
- Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico (UDT), Universidad de Concepción, Av. Cordillera 2634, Parque Industrial Coronel, Concepción 4030000, Región del Bío Bío, Chile;
| | - Julien De Winter
- Organic Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (S²MOs), University of Mons—UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (P.S.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (J.D.W.)
| | - Pascal Gerbaux
- Organic Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (S²MOs), University of Mons—UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (P.S.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (J.D.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Crinoid anthraquinones as kairomones allowing host selection for the symbiotic snapping shrimp Synalpheus stimpsonii. CHEMOECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-022-00368-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Microwave-Assisted Desulfation of the Hemolytic Saponins Extracted from Holothuria scabra Viscera. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27020537. [PMID: 35056852 PMCID: PMC8780253 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Saponins are plant and marine animal specific metabolites that are commonly considered as molecular vectors for chemical defenses against unicellular and pluricellular organisms. Their toxicity is attributed to their membranolytic properties. Modifying the molecular structures of saponins by quantitative and selective chemical reactions is increasingly considered to tune the biological properties of these molecules (i) to prepare congeners with specific activities for biomedical applications and (ii) to afford experimental data related to their structure-activity relationship. In the present study, we focused on the sulfated saponins contained in the viscera of Holothuria scabra, a sea cucumber present in the Indian Ocean and abundantly consumed on the Asian food market. Using mass spectrometry, we first qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the saponin content within the viscera of H. scabra. We detected 26 sulfated saponins presenting 5 different elemental compositions. Microwave activation under alkaline conditions in aqueous solutions was developed and optimized to quantitatively and specifically induce the desulfation of the natural saponins, by a specific loss of H2SO4. By comparing the hemolytic activities of the natural and desulfated extracts, we clearly identified the sulfate function as highly responsible for the saponin toxicity.
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Hamel JF, Eeckhaut I, Conand C, Sun J, Caulier G, Mercier A. Global knowledge on the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 91:1-286. [PMID: 35777924 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Holothuria scabra is one of the most intensively studied holothuroids, or sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), having been discussed in the literature since the early 19th century. The species is important for several reasons: (1) it is widely distributed and historically abundant in several shallow soft-bottom habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific, (2) it has a high commercial value on the Asian markets, where it is mainly sold as a dried product (beche-de-mer) and (3) it is the only tropical holothuroid species that can currently be mass-produced in hatcheries. Over 20 years have elapsed since the last comprehensive review on H. scabra published in 2001. Research on H. scabra has continued to accumulate, fuelled by intense commercial exploitation, and further declines in wild stocks over the entire distribution range. This review compiles data from over 950 publications pertaining to the biology, ecology, physiology, biochemical composition, aquaculture, fishery, processing and trade of H. scabra, presenting the most complete synthesis to date, including scientific papers and material published by local institutions and/or in foreign languages. The main goal of this project was to summarize and critically discuss the abundant literature on this species, making it more readily accessible to all stakeholders aiming to conduct fundamental and applied research on H. scabra, or wishing to develop aquaculture, stock enhancement and management programs across its geographic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Hamel
- Society for the Exploration and Valuing of the Environment (SEVE), St. Philips, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
| | - Igor Eeckhaut
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics unit, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Chantal Conand
- Département origines et évolution, Muséum National Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jiamin Sun
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
| | - Guillaume Caulier
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics unit, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Annie Mercier
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
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Vanegas González MJ, Borrero-Pérez GH. First records and new information on the associations of echinoderms with other phyla in the rocky reefs of northern Chocó, Colombian Pacific. Zookeys 2020; 921:1-22. [PMID: 32256148 PMCID: PMC7109145 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.921.32802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rocky reefs of the northern Colombian Pacific (Chocó) are diverse ecosystems that are poorly studied. Echinoderms are one of the principal groups in these ecosystems with associations to different species, including benthic organisms in which they live and other species that use them as hosts. These relationships include fishes, sponges, seaweeds, cnidarians, polychaetes, bryozoans, crustaceans, mollusks, and other echinoderms. For this area, 22 associations were registered, including commensalism, epibionts and parasitism. This work constitutes the first report for the associations of Eucidaristhouarsii with Suberitesaff.ficus, E.thouarsii with Ophiothelamirabilis, and Holothuria (Thymiosicia) impatiens with Encheliophisvermicularis. Associations of Pentacerastercumingi with Zenopontoniasoror, and Ophionereisannulata with Malmgreniellacf.variegata are new records for Colombia. This work also expands the range of hosts previously described for Ophiothelamirabilis and expands the distribution of the association between Diademamexicanum and Echineulimacf.robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Juliana Vanegas González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito vives de "Andreis" - INVEMAR. Calle 25 No. 2-55, Playa Salguero, Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito vives de "Andreis" Santa Marta Colombia
| | - Giomar Helena Borrero-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito vives de "Andreis" - INVEMAR. Calle 25 No. 2-55, Playa Salguero, Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito vives de "Andreis" Santa Marta Colombia
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Echinometra mathaei and its ectocommensal shrimps: the role of sea urchin spinochrome pigments in the symbiotic association. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17540. [PMID: 30510292 PMCID: PMC6277410 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuleariocaris holthuisi and Arete indicus are two ectocommensal shrimps closely associated with the tropical sea urchin Echinometra mathaei. This study provides a comparison of these two E. mathaei symbiotic crustaceans and particularly focuses on the relationship between T. holthuisi and its host's pigments (i.e. spinochromes), and its dependency on its host. While all the analyses underline a close association between A. indicus and E. mathaei, they reveal a particularly close interaction between T. holthuisi and its host. Chemical analyses reveal that these shrimps present the same spinochrome composition as E. mathaei, and have similar colouration, allowing camouflage. Isotopic composition and pigment loss after host separation suggest that these pigments are certainly assimilated upon feeding on the urchin. Moreover, symbiont isolation experiments demonstrate the high dependency of T. holthuisi on its host and the importance of the host's pigments on their survival capacity. Finally, some host recognition mechanisms are investigated for T. holthuisi and show the probable implication of spinochromes in host selection, through chemical recognition. Hence, all the results suggest the essential roles of spinochromes for T. holthuisi, which, in turn, suggests the potential implication of these pigments in the shrimps' metabolism.
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Decroo C, Colson E, Demeyer M, Lemaur V, Caulier G, Eeckhaut I, Cornil J, Flammang P, Gerbaux P. Tackling saponin diversity in marine animals by mass spectrometry: data acquisition and integration. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:3115-3126. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0252-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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