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Amaral DT, Kaplan RA, Takishita TKE, de Souza DR, Oliveira AG, Rosa SP. Glowing wonders: exploring the diversity and ecological significance of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1373-1392. [PMID: 38733516 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00590-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, is a captivating and widespread phenomenon with diverse ecological functions. This comprehensive review explores the biodiversity, mechanisms, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil, a country known for its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the enchanting glow of fireflies and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms to the mesmerizing displays of marine dinoflagellates and cnidarians, Brazil showcases a remarkable array of bioluminescent species. Understanding the biochemical mechanisms and enzymes involved in bioluminescence enhances our knowledge of their evolutionary adaptations and ecological functions. However, habitat loss, climate change, and photopollution pose significant threats to these bioluminescent organisms. Conservation measures, interdisciplinary collaborations, and responsible lighting practices are crucial for their survival. Future research should focus on identifying endemic species, studying environmental factors influencing bioluminescence, and developing effective conservation strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced technologies, and increased funding, Brazil can unravel the mysteries of its bioluminescent biodiversity, drive scientific advancements, and ensure the long-term preservation of these captivating organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo T Amaral
- Centro de Ciências Naturais E Humanas, Universidade Federal Do ABC (UFABC), Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Biotecnociência, Universidade Federal Do ABC (UFABC), Avenida Dos Estados, Bloco A, Room 504-3. ZIP 09210-580, Santo André, São Paulo, 5001, Brazil.
| | - Rachel A Kaplan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeshiva University, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | - Daniel R de Souza
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados Em Jornalismo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson G Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeshiva University, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Simone Policena Rosa
- Instituto de Recursos Naturais (IRN), Universidade Federal de Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá, MG, Brazil
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Lewis SM, Jusoh WFA, Walker AC, Fallon CE, Joyce R, Yiu V. Illuminating Firefly Diversity: Trends, Threats and Conservation Strategies. INSECTS 2024; 15:71. [PMID: 38276820 PMCID: PMC10815995 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Fireflies are a diverse group of bioluminescent beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae. Recent research on their diversity, evolution, behavior and conservation has greatly advanced our scientific understanding of these charismatic insects. In this review, we first summarize new discoveries about their taxonomic and ecological diversity, then focus on recent endeavors to identify and protect threatened fireflies around the world. We outline the main threats linked to recent population declines (habitat loss and degradation, light pollution, pesticide overuse, climate change and tourism) and describe relevant risk factors that predict which species will be particularly vulnerable to these threats. Although global coordination of firefly conservation efforts has begun only recently, considerable progress has already been made. We describe work by the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group to identify species currently facing elevated extinction risks and to devise conservation strategies to protect them. To date, IUCN Red List assessments have been completed for 150 firefly taxa, about 20% of which face heightened extinction risks. The conservation status for many species has yet to be determined due to insufficient information, although targeted surveys and community science projects have contributed valuable new data. Finally, we highlight some examples of successful firefly habitat protection and restoration efforts, and we use the framework of the IUCN SSC Species Conservation Cycle to point out high-priority actions for future firefly conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Lewis
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Wan F. A. Jusoh
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anna C. Walker
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- New Mexico BioPark Society, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
| | - Candace E. Fallon
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Richard Joyce
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Vor Yiu
- IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; (W.F.A.J.); (C.E.F.)
- Hong Kong Entomological Society, Hong Kong, China
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Melo DU, Bergonzini de Lima H, Reis RA, Boaro A, Gonçalves Costa Pinto AG, Monteiro Leite Ciscato LF, Homem-de-Mello P, Bartoloni FH. Chemiluminescence of a Firefly Luciferin Analogue Reveals that Formation of the Key Intermediate Responsible for Excited State Generation Occurs on a Fully Concerted Step. J Org Chem 2024; 89:345-355. [PMID: 38113466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of eight different 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylate esters with an organic superbase and oxygen was investigated through a kinetic and computational study. These esters are all analogues to the luciferin substrate involved in efficient firefly bioluminescence. The kinetic data obtained from CL emission and light absorption assays were used in the context of linear free energy relationships (LFER); we obtained the Hammett reaction constant ρ = +1.62 ± 0.09 and the Brønsted constant βlg = -0.39 ± 0.04. These observations from LFER, together with activation parameters obtained from Arrhenius plots, suggest that the formation of the high-energy intermediate (HEI) 1,2-dioxetanone occurs via a concerted mechanism during the rate-determining step of the reaction. Calculations performed using density functional theory support a late transition state for HEI formation within the reaction mechanism pathway, which was described considering geometric parameters, Wiberg bond indices from natural bond order analysis, and the atomic charges derived from the electrostatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ulysses Melo
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Henrique Bergonzini de Lima
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Roberta Albino Reis
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Andreia Boaro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paula Homem-de-Mello
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Fernando Heering Bartoloni
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
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Lisitsa AE, Sukovatyi LA, Deeva AA, Gulnov DV, Esimbekova EN, Kratasyuk VA, Nemtseva EV. The Role of Cosolvent-Water Interactions in Effects of the Media on Functionality of Enzymes: A Case Study of Photobacterium leiognathi Luciferase. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1384. [PMID: 37374166 DOI: 10.3390/life13061384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A complex heterogeneous intracellular environment seems to affect enzymatic catalysis by changing the mobility of biomolecules, their stability, and their conformational states, as well as by facilitating or hindering continuously occurring interactions. The evaluation and description of the influence of the cytoplasmic matrix components on enzymatic activity are problems that remain unsolved. In this work, we aimed to determine the mechanisms of action of two-component media with cosolvents of various molecular sizes on the complex multi-stage bioluminescent reaction catalyzed by bacterial luciferase. Kinetic and structural effects of ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, glucose, sucrose, dextran, and polyethylene glycol on bacterial luciferase were studied using stopped-flow and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. We have found that diffusion limitations in the presence of cosolvents promote the stabilization of flavin substrate and peroxyflavin intermediate of the reaction, but do not provide any advantages in bioluminescence quantum yield, because substrate binding is slowed down as well. The catalytic constant of bacterial luciferase has been found to be viscosity-independent and correlated with parameters of water-cosolvent interactions (Norrish constant, van der Waals interaction energies). Crowding agents, in contrast to low-molecular-weight cosolvents, had little effect on peroxyflavin intermediate decay and enzyme catalytic constant. We attributed specific kinetic effects to the preferential interaction of the cosolvents with enzyme surface and their penetration into the active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Lisitsa
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Lev A Sukovatyi
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Anna A Deeva
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Gulnov
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Elena N Esimbekova
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Institute of Biophysics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Valentina A Kratasyuk
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Institute of Biophysics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Elena V Nemtseva
- Biophysics Department, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Institute of Biophysics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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