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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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Coubris C, Duchatelet L, Delroisse J, Bayaert WS, Parise L, Eloy MC, Pels C, Mallefet J. Maintain the light, long-term seasonal monitoring of luminous capabilities in the brittle star Amphiura filiformis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13238. [PMID: 38853171 PMCID: PMC11163003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64010-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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The European brittle star Amphiura filiformis emits blue light, via a Renilla-like luciferase, which depends on the dietary acquisition of coelenterazine. Questions remain regarding luciferin availability across seasons and the persistence of luminous capabilities after a single boost of coelenterazine. To date, no study has explored the seasonal, long-term monitoring of these luminous capabilities or the tracking of luciferase expression in photogenic tissues. Through multidisciplinary analysis, we demonstrate that luminous capabilities evolve according to the exogenous acquisition of coelenterazine throughout adult life. Moreover, no coelenterazine storage forms are detected within the arms tissues. Luciferase expression persists throughout the seasons, and coelenterazine's presence in the brittle star diet is the only limiting factor for the bioluminescent reaction. No seasonal variation is observed, involving a continuous presence of prey containing coelenterazine. The ultrastructure description provides a morphological context to investigate the green autofluorescence signal attributed to coelenterazine during luciferin acquisition. Finally, histological analyses support the hypothesis of a pigmented sheath leading light to the tip of the spine. These insights improve our understanding of the bioluminescence phenomenon in this burrowing brittle star.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Coubris
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Laurent Duchatelet
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Delroisse
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000, Mons, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, GIGA Institute, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Wendy Shirley Bayaert
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, UMONS, 23 Place du Parc, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Laura Parise
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie Christine Eloy
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pels
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Mallefet
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Lau ES, Goodheart JA, Anderson NT, Liu VL, Mukherjee A, Oakley TH. Similar enzymatic functions in distinct bioluminescence systems: Evolutionary recruitment of sulfotransferases in ostracod light organs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.12.536614. [PMID: 37090632 PMCID: PMC10120648 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Genes from ancient families are sometimes involved in the convergent evolutionary origins of similar traits, even across vast phylogenetic distances. Sulfotransferases are an ancient family of enzymes that transfer sulfate from a donor to a wide variety of substrates, including probable roles in some bioluminescence systems. Here we demonstrate multiple sulfotransferases, highly expressed in light organs of the bioluminescent ostracod Vargula tsujii , transfer sulfate in vivo to the luciferin substrate, vargulin. We find luciferin sulfotransferases of ostracods are not orthologous to known luciferin sulfotransferases of fireflies or sea pansies; animals with distinct and convergently evolved bioluminescence systems compared to ostracods. Therefore, distantly related sulfotransferases were independently recruited at least three times, leading to parallel evolution of luciferin metabolism in three highly diverged organisms. Re-use of homologous genes is surprising in these bioluminescence systems because the other components, including luciferins and luciferases, are completely distinct. Whether convergently evolved traits incorporate ancient genes with similar functions or instead use distinct, often newer, genes may be constrained by how many genetic solutions exist for a particular function. When fewer solutions exist, as in genetic sulfation of small molecules, evolution may be more constrained to use the same genes time and again.
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Calabretta MM, Michelini E. Current advances in the use of bioluminescence assays for drug discovery: an update of the last ten years. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:85-95. [PMID: 37814480 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2266989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bioluminescence is a well-established optical detection technique widely used in several bioanalytical applications, including high-throughput and high-content screenings. Thanks to advances in synthetic biology techniques and deep learning, a wide portfolio of luciferases is now available with tuned emission wavelengths, kinetics, and high stability. These luciferases can be implemented in the drug discovery and development pipeline, allowing high sensitivity and multiplexing capability. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the latest advancements of bioluminescent systems as toolsets in drug discovery programs for in vitro applications. Particular attention is paid to the most advanced bioluminescence-based technologies for drug screening over the past 10 years (from 2013 to 2023) such as cell-free assays, cell-based assays based on genetically modified cells, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, and protein complementation assays in 2D and 3D cell models. EXPERT OPINION The availability of tuned bioluminescent proteins with improved emission and stability properties is vital for the development of bioluminescence assays for drug discovery, spanning from reporter gene technology to protein-protein techniques. Further studies, combining machine learning with synthetic biology, will be necessary to obtain new tools for sustainable and highly predictive bioluminescent drug discovery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Calabretta
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Michelini
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HSTICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kotlobay AA, Dubinnyi MA, Kovalchuk SI, Makhin AP, Miturich VS, Lyakhovich MS, Fontaine DM, Southworth TL, Shmygarev VI, Yatskin ON, Branchini BR, Yampolsky IV, Kaskova ZM. Structure elucidation of Keroplatus (Diptera:Keroplatidae) fungus gnat oxyluciferin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 676:1-5. [PMID: 37480687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.035] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence of insects is a well-known natural phenomenon in the focus of interest of scientific research. While the mechanisms of bioluminescence in Coleoptera have been extensively studied, there is a lack of information about the chemistry of light emission in Diptera species. Here we report the Keroplatus spp. oxyluciferin structure elucidation and identification as 3-hydroxykynurenic acid. Additionally, the present study provides the first direct evidence of the relationship between the bioluminescent systems of Orfelia and Keroplatus. However, the properties of the putative Orfelia oxyluciferin suggest that the light emission mechanisms are not identical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Kotlobay
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Maxim A Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow, 141700, Russia
| | - Sergey I Kovalchuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Aleksandr P Makhin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 9 Miusskaya sq., Moscow, 125047, Russia
| | - Vasily S Miturich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Faculty of Chemistry, National Research University Higher School of Economics, 7 Vavilova str., Moscow, 119048, Russia
| | - Maria S Lyakhovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | | | - Tara L Southworth
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT, 06320, USA
| | - Vladimir I Shmygarev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Oleg N Yatskin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Bruce R Branchini
- Department of Chemistry, Connecticut College, New London, CT, 06320, USA
| | - Ilia V Yampolsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova str., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Zinaida M Kaskova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117997, Russia; Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova str., Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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6
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Kotlobay AA, Dubinnyi MA, Polevoi AV, Kovalchuk SI, Kaskova ZM. Riboflavin as One of Possible Components of Keroplatus (Insecta: Diptera: Keroplatidae) Fungus Gnat Bioluminescence. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162022060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Keroplatus is a genus of fungus gnats family Keroplatidae (Diptera, Bibionomorpha). Larvae of some species emit a constant blue light from the body. The bioluminescence of Keroplatidae is one of the least studied of all terrestrial insects and very few facts are known to date of its biology and biochemistry. Here we report the high level of riboflavin in Keroplatus testaceus larvae, a fluorescent compound that might be relative to its bioluminescent system. We suppose that riboflavin may play a role in Keroplatus spp. bioluminescence.
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A Luciferase Mutant with Improved Brightness and Stability for Whole-Cell Bioluminescent Biosensors and In Vitro Biosensing. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12090742. [PMID: 36140127 PMCID: PMC9496056 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The availability of new bioluminescent proteins with tuned properties, both in terms of emission wavelength, kinetics and protein stability, is highly valuable in the bioanalytical field, with the potential to improve the sensitivity and analytical performance of the currently used methods for ATP detection, whole-cell biosensors, and viability assays among others. We present a new luciferase mutant, called BgLuc, suitable for developing whole-cell biosensors and in vitro biosensors characterized by a bioluminescence maximum of 548 nm, narrow emission bandwidth, favorable kinetic properties, and excellent pH- and thermo-stabilities at 37 and 45 °C and pH from 5.0 to 8.0. We assessed the suitability of this new luciferase for whole-cell biosensing with a cell-based bioreporter assay for Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signal transduction pathway using 2D and 3D human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells, and for ATP detection with the purified enzyme. In both cases the luciferase showed suitable for sensitive detection of the target analytes, with better or similar performance than the commercial counterparts.
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8
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Liu YJ. Understanding the complete bioluminescence cycle from a multiscale computational perspective: A review. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C: PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Belleti E, Bevilaqua VR, Brito AMM, Modesto DA, Lanfredi AJC, Viviani VR, Nantes-Cardoso IL. Synthesis of bioluminescent gold nanoparticle-luciferase hybrid systems for technological applications. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2021; 20:1439-1453. [PMID: 34613602 PMCID: PMC8493054 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-021-00111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in situ using dithiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG(SH)2) as reducer and stabilizing agents. Hybrid Au/F3O4 nanoparticles were also produced in a variation of synthesis, and both types of nanostructures had the polymer capping replaced by L-cysteine (Cys). The four types of nanoparticles, PEG(SH)2AuNPs, PEG(SH)2Au/F3O4NPs, CysAuNPs, and CysAu/F3O4NPs were associated with purified recombinant Pyrearinus termitilluminans green emitting click beetle luciferase (PyLuc) and Phrixotrix hirtus (RELuc) red-emitting railroad worm luciferase. Enzyme association with PEG(SH)2 was also investigated as a control. Luciferases were chosen because they catalyze bioluminescent reactions used in a wide range of bioanalytical applications, including ATP assays, gene reporting, high-throughput screening, bioluminescence imaging, biosensors and other bioluminescence-based assays. The immobilization of PyLuc and RELuc promoted partial suppression of the enzyme luminescence activity in a functionalization-dependent way. Association of PyLuc and RELuc with AuNPs increased the enzyme operational stability in relation to the free enzyme, as evidenced by the luminescence intensity from 0 to 7 h after substrate addition. The stability of the immobilized enzymes was also functionalization-dependent and the association with CysAuNPs was the condition that combined more sustained luminescent activity with a low degree of luminescence quenching. The higher enzymatic stability and sustained luminescence of luciferases associated with nanoparticles may improve the applicability of bioluminescence for bioimaging and biosensing purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisângela Belleti
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vanessa R Bevilaqua
- Graduate School of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Adrianne M M Brito
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Diego A Modesto
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Alexandre J C Lanfredi
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vadim R Viviani
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring (UFSCar), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Iseli L Nantes-Cardoso
- Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001, Bairro Bangu, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil.
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10
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Tsarkova AS. Luciferins Under Construction: A Review of Known Biosynthetic Pathways. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.667829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, or the ability of a living organism to generate visible light, occurs as a result of biochemical reaction where enzyme, known as a luciferase, catalyzes the oxidation of a small-molecule substrate, known as luciferin. This advantageous trait has independently evolved dozens of times, with current estimates ranging from the most conservative 40, based on the biochemical diversity found across bioluminescence systems (Haddock et al., 2010) to 100, taking into account the physiological mechanisms involved in the behavioral control of light production across a wide range of taxa (Davis et al., 2016; Verdes and Gruber, 2017; Bessho-Uehara et al., 2020a; Lau and Oakley, 2021). Chemical structures of ten biochemically unrelated luciferins and several luciferase gene families have been described; however, a full biochemical pathway leading to light emission has been elucidated only for two: bacterial and fungal bioluminescence systems. Although the recent years have been marked by extraordinary discoveries and promising breakthroughs in understanding the molecular basis of multiple bioluminescence systems, the mechanisms of luciferin biosynthesis for many organisms remain almost entirely unknown. This article seeks to provide a succinct overview of currently known luciferins’ biosynthetic pathways.
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Amaral DT, Johnson CH, Viviani VR. RNA-Seq analysis of the blue light-emitting Orfelia fultoni (Diptera: Keroplatidae) suggest photoecological adaptations at the molecular level. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 39:100840. [PMID: 34022525 PMCID: PMC8495875 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescence in Diptera is found in the Keroplatidae family, within Arachnocampininae and Keroplatinae subfamilies, with reported occurrences in Oceania, Eurasia, and Americas. Larvae of Orfelia fultoni, which inhabit stream banks in the Appalachian Mountains, emit the bluest bioluminescence among insects, using it for prey attraction, similarly to Arachnocampa spp. Although bioluminescence has a similar prey attraction function, the systems of Arachonocampininae and Keroplatinae subfamilies are morphologically/biochemically distinct, indicating different evolutionary origins. To identify the possible coding genes associated with physiological control, ecological adaptations, and origin/evolution of bioluminescence in the Keroplatinae subfamily, we performed the RNA-Seq analysis of O. fultoni larvae during day and night and compared it with the transcriptomes of Arachnocampa luminosa, and reanalyzed the previously published proteomic data of O. fultoni against the RNA-Seq dataset. The abundance of chaperones/heat-shock and hexamerin gene products at night and in luciferase enriched fractions supports their possible association and participation in bioluminescence. The low diversity of copies/families of opsins indicate a simpler visual system in O. fultoni. Noteworthy, gene products associated with silk protein biosynthesis in Orfelia were more similar to Lepidoptera than to the Arachnocampa, indicating that, similarly to the bioluminescent systems, at some point, the biochemical apparatus for web construction may have evolved independently in Orfelia and Arachnocampa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo T Amaral
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring (UFSCar), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Carl H Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Vadim R Viviani
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring (UFSCar), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil; Graduate School of Evolutive Genetics and Molecular Biology, Federal Univ. São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Emerging tools for bioluminescence imaging. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:86-94. [PMID: 33770744 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BL) relies on the enzymatic reaction between luciferase, a substrate conventionally named luciferin, and various cofactors. BL imaging has become a widely used technique to interrogate gene expression and cell fate, both in small and large animal models of research. Recent developments include the generation of improved luciferase-luciferin systems for deeper and more sensitive imaging as well as new caged luciferins to report on enzymatic activity and other intracellular functions. Here, we critically evaluate the emerging tools for BL imaging aiming to provide the reader with an updated compendium of the latest developments (2018-2020) and their notable applications.
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13
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Syed AJ, Anderson JC. Applications of bioluminescence in biotechnology and beyond. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5668-5705. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01492c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioluminescent probes have hugely benefited from the input of synthetic chemistry and protein engineering. Here we review the latest applications of these probes in biotechnology and beyond, with an eye on current limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha J. Syed
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London
- London
- UK
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14
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Lau ES, Oakley TH. Multi-level convergence of complex traits and the evolution of bioluminescence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:673-691. [PMID: 33306257 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary convergence provides natural opportunities to investigate how, when, and why novel traits evolve. Many convergent traits are complex, highlighting the importance of explicitly considering convergence at different levels of biological organization, or 'multi-level convergent evolution'. To investigate multi-level convergent evolution, we propose a holistic and hierarchical framework that emphasizes breaking down traits into several functional modules. We begin by identifying long-standing questions on the origins of complexity and the diverse evolutionary processes underlying phenotypic convergence to discuss how they can be addressed by examining convergent systems. We argue that bioluminescence, a complex trait that evolved dozens of times through either novel mechanisms or conserved toolkits, is particularly well suited for these studies. We present an updated estimate of at least 94 independent origins of bioluminescence across the tree of life, which we calculated by reviewing and summarizing all estimates of independent origins. Then, we use our framework to review the biology, chemistry, and evolution of bioluminescence, and for each biological level identify questions that arise from our systematic review. We focus on luminous organisms that use the shared luciferin substrates coelenterazine or vargulin to produce light because these organisms convergently evolved bioluminescent proteins that use the same luciferins to produce bioluminescence. Evolutionary convergence does not necessarily extend across biological levels, as exemplified by cases of conservation and disparity in biological functions, organs, cells, and molecules associated with bioluminescence systems. Investigating differences across bioluminescent organisms will address fundamental questions on predictability and contingency in convergent evolution. Lastly, we highlight unexplored areas of bioluminescence research and advances in sequencing and chemical techniques useful for developing bioluminescence as a model system for studying multi-level convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Lau
- Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, U.S.A
| | - Todd H Oakley
- Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, U.S.A
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Dubinnyi MA, Ivanov IA, Rodionova NS, Kovalchuk SI, Kaskova ZM, Petushkov VN. α‐C‐Mannosyltryptophan is a Structural Analog of the Luciferin from Bioluminescent Siberian Earthworm
Henlea sp
. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202003075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A. Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Igor A. Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Natalia S. Rodionova
- Institute of Biophysics Krasnoyarsk Research Center Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences Akademgorodok 660036 Krasnoyarsk Russia
| | - Sergey I. Kovalchuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Zinaida M. Kaskova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 1 Ostrovityanova st. 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Valentin N. Petushkov
- Institute of Biophysics Krasnoyarsk Research Center Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences Akademgorodok 660036 Krasnoyarsk Russia
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