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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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2
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Schramm S, Weiß D. Bioluminescence - The Vibrant Glow of Nature and its Chemical Mechanisms. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400106. [PMID: 38469601 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400106] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the mesmerizing natural phenomenon where living organisms produce light through chemical reactions, has long captivated scientists and laypersons alike, offering a rich tapestry of insights into biological function, ecology, evolution as well as the underlying chemistry. This comprehensive introductory review systematically explores the phenomenon of bioluminescence, addressing its historical context, geographic dispersion, and ecological significance with a focus on their chemical mechanisms. Our examination begins with terrestrial bioluminescence, discussing organisms from different habitats. We analyze thefireflies of Central Europe's meadows and the fungi in the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. Additionally, we inspect bioluminescent species in New Zealand, specifically river-dwelling snails and mosquito larvae found in Waitomo Caves. Our exploration concludes in the Siberian Steppes, highlighting the area's luminescent insects and annelids. Transitioning to the marine realm, the second part of this review examines marine bioluminescent organisms. We explore this phenomenon in deep-sea jellyfish and their role in the ecosystem. We then move to Toyama Bay, Japan, where seasonal bioluminescence of dinoflagellates and ostracods present a unique case study. We also delve into the bacterial world, discussing how bioluminescent bacteria contribute to symbiotic relationships. For each organism, we contextualize its bioluminescence, providing details about its discovery, ecological function, and geographical distribution. A special focus lies on the examination of the underlying chemical mechanisms that enables these biological light displays. Concluding this review, we present a series of practical bioluminescence and chemiluminescence experiments, providing a resource for educational demonstrations and student research projects. Our goal with this review is to provide a summary of bioluminescence across the diverse ecological contexts, contributing to the broader understanding of this unique biological phenomenon and its chemical mechanisms serving researchers new to the field, educators and students alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schramm
- University of Applied Sciences Dresden (HTW Dresden), Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dieter Weiß
- Institut für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
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3
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Mucciolo S, Desiderato A, Mastrodonato M, Lana P, Arruda Freire C, Prodocimo V. First Insights into Body Localization of an Osmoregulation-Related Cotransporter in Estuarine Annelids. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:235. [PMID: 38666847 PMCID: PMC11048583 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The expression of the Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC), widely associated with cell volume regulation, has never been directly demonstrated in annelids. Its putative presence was firstly recovered in silico, and then using immunofluorescence, its signal was retrieved for the first time in different tissues of four species of estuarine annelids from southern Brazil that are regularly subjected to salinity fluctuations. We tested two euryhaline species (wide salinity tolerance), the nereidids Alitta yarae and Laeonereis acuta (habitat salinity: ~10-28 psu), and two stenohaline species (restricted salinity tolerance), the nephtyid Nephtys fluviatilis (habitat salinity: ~6-10 psu), and the melinnid Isolda pulchella (habitat salinity: ~28-35 psu). All four species showed specific immunofluorescent labelling for NKCC-like expression. However, the expression of an NKCC-like protein was not homogeneous among them. The free-living/burrowers (both euryhaline nereidids and the stenohaline nephtyid) displayed a widespread signal for an NKCC-like protein along their bodies, in contrast to the stenohaline sedentary melinnid, in which the signal was restricted to the branchiae and the internal tissues of the body. The results are compatible with NKCC involvement in cell volume, especially in annelids that face wide variations in salinity in their habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Mucciolo
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
- Laboratório de Bentos, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, Pontal do Paraná 83255-976, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Desiderato
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Mastrodonato
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze Biotecnologie e Ambiente, Campus Universitario “E. Quagliariello”, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Paulo Lana
- Laboratório de Bentos, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, Pontal do Paraná 83255-976, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Carolina Arruda Freire
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Comparativa de Osmorregulação, Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos 100, Curitiba 81530-000, Paraná, Brazil; (C.A.F.); (V.P.)
| | - Viviane Prodocimo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Comparativa de Osmorregulação, Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos 100, Curitiba 81530-000, Paraná, Brazil; (C.A.F.); (V.P.)
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4
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Claes JM, Haddock SHD, Coubris C, Mallefet J. Systematic Distribution of Bioluminescence in Marine Animals: A Species-Level Inventory. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:432. [PMID: 38672704 PMCID: PMC11051050 DOI: 10.3390/life14040432] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence is the production of visible light by an organism. This phenomenon is particularly widespread in marine animals, especially in the deep sea. While the luminescent status of numerous marine animals has been recently clarified thanks to advancements in deep-sea exploration technologies and phylogenetics, that of others has become more obscure due to dramatic changes in systematics (themselves triggered by molecular phylogenies). Here, we combined a comprehensive literature review with unpublished data to establish a catalogue of marine luminescent animals. Inventoried animals were identified to species level in over 97% of the cases and were associated with a score reflecting the robustness of their luminescence record. While luminescence capability has been established in 695 genera of marine animals, luminescence reports from 99 additional genera need further confirmation. Altogether, these luminescent and potentially luminescent genera encompass 9405 species, of which 2781 are luminescent, 136 are potentially luminescent (e.g., suggested luminescence in those species needs further confirmation), 99 are non-luminescent, and 6389 have an unknown luminescent status. Comparative analyses reveal new insights into the occurrence of luminescence among marine animal groups and highlight promising research areas. This work will provide a solid foundation for future studies related to the field of marine bioluminescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M. Claes
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (C.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Steven H. D. Haddock
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Constance Coubris
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (C.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jérôme Mallefet
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; (C.C.); (J.M.)
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Jimi N, Bessho-Uehara M, Nakamura K, Sakata M, Hayashi T, Kanie S, Mitani Y, Ohmiya Y, Tsuyuki A, Ota Y, Woo SP, Ogoh K. Investigating the diversity of bioluminescent marine worm Polycirrus (Annelida), with description of three new species from the Western Pacific. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230039. [PMID: 36998762 PMCID: PMC10049758 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence, a phenomenon observed widely in organisms ranging from bacteria to metazoans, has a significant impact on the behaviour and ecology of organisms. Among bioluminescent organisms, Polycirrus, which has unique emission wavelengths, has received attention, and advanced studies such as RNA-Seq have been conducted, but they are limited to a few cases. In addition, accurate species identification is difficult due to lack of taxonomic organization. In this study, we conducted comprehensive taxonomic survey of Japanese Polycirrus based on multiple specimens from different locations and described as three new species: Polycirrus onibi sp. nov., P. ikeguchii sp. nov. and P. aoandon sp. nov. The three species can be distinguished from the known species based on the following characters: (i) arrangement of mid-ventral groove, (ii) arrangement of notochaetigerous segments, (iii) type of neurochaetae uncini, and (iv) arrangement of nephridial papillae. By linking the bioluminescence phenomenon with taxonomic knowledge, we established a foundation for future bioluminescent research development. We also provide a brief phylogenetic tree based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences to discuss the evolution of bioluminescence and the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Jimi
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, 429-63 Sugashima, Toba, Mie 517-0004, Japan
- Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia
| | - Manabu Bessho-Uehara
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, 464-8601 Nagoya, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, 464-8601 Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Nakamura
- Japan Underwater Films Co., Ltd., 2-11-15, Nakaochiai, Shinjyuku, Tokyo 161-0032, Japan
| | - Masahiko Sakata
- Japan Underwater Films Co., Ltd., 2-11-15, Nakaochiai, Shinjyuku, Tokyo 161-0032, Japan
| | - Taro Hayashi
- EVIDENT CORPORATION, Shinjuku Monolith, 3-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shusei Kanie
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo 062-8517, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mitani
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo 062-8517, Japan
| | | | - Aoi Tsuyuki
- Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Yuzo Ota
- San'in Kaigan Geopark Museum of the Earth and Sea, 1794-4, Makidani, Iwami-town, Tottori 681-0001, Japan
| | - Sau Pinn Woo
- Centre for Marine & Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Penang, Malaysia
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A bioluminescent earthworm luciferase mimetic MIL-101(Cr)-MOF for enhanced luciferin chemiluminescence and H2O2 sensing. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Greistorfer S, von Byern J, Miller I, Meyer-Rochow VB, Farkas R, Steiner G. A histochemical and morphological study of the mucus producing pedal gland system in Latia neritoides (Mollusca; Gastropoda; Hygrophila). ZOOLOGY 2023; 156:126067. [PMID: 36586306 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2022.126067] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The freshwater gastropod Latia neritoides is endemic to the streams of New Zealand's North Island. This species has evolved a unique defence system: it exudes a luminescent mucus thought to deter predators. While the bioluminescence itself has been investigated before, the underlying gland system has remained unstudied and relevant information to understand the defence system has been missing till now. For the release of the glowing mucus of L. neritoides two places of origin were assumed: the lateral foot area or the mantel cavity. In this study the focus was on the first suggestion. To gain insight into the defence system, morphological as well as histochemical analyses were performed involving all secretory gland types in the sub-epithelial foot layer. The results were compared with the foot gland system of Neritina sp., a snail living in a comparable habitat, but using a different survival strategy. The gland types of the two gastropods were compared and their mucus types were investigated. Seven subepithelial gland cell types can be distinguished in the foot region of L. neritoides. Neritina sp., in contrast, has six gland cell types of which three laterally located ones are epithelial. Both species show a pedal gland in the anterior foot region. A striking difference between the species are two prominent subepithelial gland cell types (L1l/L2l) in the lateral foot area of L. neritoides, which are missing in Neritina sp. These gland cells are distributed throughout the entire lateral foot area of L. neritoides and make up about 85% of the mucus gland cells in this area. Defence mucus and trail mucus of L. neritoides show different specificities in lectin staining, but are not equally represented in the gland cell types. Yet, based on the huge size and high density of L1l and L2L, we envision a role for these gland types in the defence system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Greistorfer
- Unit for Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Miller
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Oulu University, Oulu SF-90140, Finland; Agricultural Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert Farkas
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gerhard Steiner
- Unit for Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Sensitive determination of urea in luciferin chemiluminescence system using an experimental design. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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9
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Petushkov VN, Vavilov MV, Ivanov IA, Ziganshin RH, Rodionova NS, Yampolsky IV, Tsarkova AS, Dubinnyi MA. Deazaflavin cofactor boosts earthworms Henlea bioluminescence. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:415-427. [PMID: 36530053 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob01946a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The bioluminescence of Siberian earthworms Henlea sp. was found to be enhanced by two low molecular weight activators, termed ActH and ActS, found in the hot extracts. The fluorescence emission maximum of the activators matches the bioluminescence spectrum that peaks at 464 nm. We purified 4.3 and 8.8 micrograms of ActH and ActS from 200 worms and explored them using orbitrap HRMS with deep fragmentation and 1D/2D NMR equipped with cryoprobes. Their chemical structures were ascertained using chemical shift prediction services, structure elucidation software and database searches. ActH was identified as the riboflavin analoge archaeal cofactor F0, namely 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazariboflavin. ActS is a novel compound, namely ActH sulfated at the 3' ribityl hydroxyl. We designed and implemented a new four step synthesis strategy forActH that outperformed previous synthetic approaches. The synthetic ActH was identical to the natural one and activated Henlea sp. bioluminescence. The bioluminescence enhancement factor X was measured at different ActH concentrations and the Michaelis constant Km = 0.22 ± 0.01 μM was obtained by nonlinear regression. At an excess of synthetic ActH, the factor X was saturated at Xmax = 33.3 ± 0.5, thus opening an avenue to further characterisation of the Henlea sp. bioluminescence system. ActH did not produce bioluminescence without the luciferin with an as yet unknown chemical structure. We propose that ActH and the novel sulfated deazariboflavin ActS either emit the light of the Henlea sp. bioluminescence and/or accept hydride(s) donor upon luciferin oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin N Petushkov
- Institute of Biophysics, Krasnoyarsk Research Center, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademgorodok, 660036, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Matvey V Vavilov
- 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.
| | - Rustam H Ziganshin
- 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
| | - Ilia V Yampolsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Aleksandra S Tsarkova
- 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, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim A Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of bioorganic chemistry, Russian academy of Sciences GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, 117997, Moscow, Russia. .,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia
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Seesamut T, Ng B, Sutcharit C, Chanabun R, Panha S. Responses to salinity in the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22304. [PMID: 36566279 PMCID: PMC9789941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26099-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cosmopolitan littoral earthworm Pontodrilus litoralis is distributed in tropical and sub-tropical coastal habitats, whereas P. longissimus is reported only in the Thai-Malay coastal line. In the present study, we examined the difference in salinity effect on the survival rate, wet weight (hereafter weight) change, behaviour, and osmolality of these two Pontodrilus species. A 28 d exposure to varying salinity concentration (0-50 ppt) revealed that P. litoralis is able to survive over a wide salinity range than P. longissimus, with the latter species exhibiting a low survival rate over the same salinity range. During short-term exposure (0-96 h) to a salinity of less than 30 ppt, P. litoralis exhibited weight gain and this was significant in the first 12 h of exposure. However, P. longissimus gained weight when exposed to salinity at under 10 ppt in the first 72 h of exposure. The two species of Pontodrilus behaved differently when exposed to different salinities. The coelomic fluid osmolarity of Pontodrilus was related to the exposure medium and was mostly maintained as hyperosmotic to the external medium over the range of salinities tested. This study shows how two different species of the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus respond to a change in salinity, which may explain their dispersal pattern and shape their distribution pattern throughout Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapong Seesamut
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Animal Systematics Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Beewah Ng
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Animal Systematics Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand ,Freecap Resource Sdn Bhd, Lot T-5, Lumut Port Industrial Park, KG Acheh Mukim Lumut, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak Malaysia
| | - Chirasak Sutcharit
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Animal Systematics Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Ratmanee Chanabun
- grid.444149.80000 0001 0370 0609Program in Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Sakon Nakhon, 47000 Thailand
| | - Somsak Panha
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Animal Systematics Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand ,grid.512985.2Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300 Thailand
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11
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Schramm S, Weiß D. Biolumineszenz – Teil 1: Terrestrische Biolumineszenz. CHEM UNSERER ZEIT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ciuz.202000081] [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)
- Stefan Schramm
- Institut für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie Friedrich‐Schiller Universität Jena Humboldtstraße 10 07743 Jena Deutschland
- Merck KGaA Frankfurter Straße 250 64293 Darmstadt Deutschland
| | - Dieter Weiß
- Institut für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie Friedrich‐Schiller Universität Jena Humboldtstraße 10 07743 Jena Deutschland
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12
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Bioluminescence and Photoreception in Unicellular Organisms: Light-Signalling in a Bio-Communication Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111311. [PMID: 34768741 PMCID: PMC8582858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, the emission of light catalysed by luciferases, has evolved in many taxa from bacteria to vertebrates and is predominant in the marine environment. It is now well established that in animals possessing a nervous system capable of integrating light stimuli, bioluminescence triggers various behavioural responses and plays a role in intra- or interspecific visual communication. The function of light emission in unicellular organisms is less clear and it is currently thought that it has evolved in an ecological framework, to be perceived by visual animals. For example, while it is thought that bioluminescence allows bacteria to be ingested by zooplankton or fish, providing them with favourable conditions for growth and dispersal, the luminous flashes emitted by dinoflagellates may have evolved as an anti-predation system against copepods. In this short review, we re-examine this paradigm in light of recent findings in microorganism photoreception, signal integration and complex behaviours. Numerous studies show that on the one hand, bacteria and protists, whether autotrophs or heterotrophs, possess a variety of photoreceptors capable of perceiving and integrating light stimuli of different wavelengths. Single-cell light-perception produces responses ranging from phototaxis to more complex behaviours. On the other hand, there is growing evidence that unicellular prokaryotes and eukaryotes can perform complex tasks ranging from habituation and decision-making to associative learning, despite lacking a nervous system. Here, we focus our analysis on two taxa, bacteria and dinoflagellates, whose bioluminescence is well studied. We propose the hypothesis that similar to visual animals, the interplay between light-emission and reception could play multiple roles in intra- and interspecific communication and participate in complex behaviour in the unicellular world.
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13
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Kanie S, Miura D, Jimi N, Hayashi T, Nakamura K, Sakata M, Ogoh K, Ohmiya Y, Mitani Y. Violet bioluminescent Polycirrus sp. (Annelida: Terebelliformia) discovered in the shallow coastal waters of the Noto Peninsula in Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19097. [PMID: 34580316 PMCID: PMC8476577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Terebellidae worms have large numbers of tentacles responsible for various biological functions. Some Terebellidae worms whose tentacles emit light are found around the world, including exceptional violet-light-emitting Polycirrus spp. found in Europe and North America. However, there is no video-recorded observation of the luminous behavior of such unique species in nature, and the genetic information related to their ecology are lacking. Here, for the first time, we video-recorded the violet-light-emitting behavior of an undescribed Japanese worm in its natural habitat. The worm was designated as Polycirrus sp. ISK based on morphological observations, and the luminescence spectrum showed a peak at 444 nm, which is an exceptionally short wavelength for bioluminescence in a shallow coastal water environment. An analysis of differentially expressing genes based on separate RNA-Seq analysis for the tentacles and the rest of body revealed the specific expression of genes that are probably involved in innate immunity in the tentacles exposed to predators. We also found a Renilla luciferase homologous gene, but coelenterazine was not detected in the worm extract by analyses using a liquid chromatography and a recombinant Renilla luciferase. These results will promote an understanding of the ecology and luminescence mechanisms of luminous Polycirrus spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusei Kanie
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, 062-8517, Japan
| | - Daisuke Miura
- Biomedical Research Institute, AIST, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Naoto Jimi
- National Institute of Polar Research, Tachikawa, Tokyo, 190-8518, Japan.,Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Toba, Mie, 517-0004, Japan
| | - Taro Hayashi
- Olympus Corporation, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-8512, Japan
| | - Koji Nakamura
- Japan Underwater Films Co., Ltd., 2-11-15, Nakaochiai, Shinjyuku, Tokyo, 161-0032, Japan
| | - Masahiko Sakata
- Japan Underwater Films Co., Ltd., 2-11-15, Nakaochiai, Shinjyuku, Tokyo, 161-0032, Japan
| | - Katsunori Ogoh
- Olympus Corporation, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-8512, Japan.,HATENOURUMA, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192‑0023, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ohmiya
- Biomedical Research Institute, AIST, Ikeda, 563-8577, Japan.,Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT), Osaka, 535-8585, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mitani
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, 062-8517, Japan.
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14
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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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15
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Li B, Chen R, Zhu C, Kong F. Glowing plants can light up the night sky? A review. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3706-3715. [PMID: 34251679 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27884] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Luminescence, a physical phenomenon that producing cool light in vivo, has been found in bacteria, fungi, and animals but not yet in terrestrial higher plants. Through genetic engineering, it is feasible to introduce luminescence systems into living plant cells as biomarkers. Recently, some plants transformed with luminescent systems can glimmer in darkness, which can be observed by our naked eyes and provides a novel lighting resource. In this review, we summarized the bioassay development of luminescence in plant cells, followed by exampling the successful cases of glowing plants transformed with diverse luminescent systems. The potential key factors to design or optimize a glowing plant were also discussed. Our review is useful for the creation of the optimized glowing plants, which can be used not only in scientific research, but also as promising substitutes of artificial light sources in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolong Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Ru Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Chenba Zhu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.,Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Fantao Kong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
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16
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Seesamut T, Yano D, Paitio J, Kin I, Panha S, Oba Y. Occurrence of bioluminescent and nonbioluminescent species in the littoral earthworm genus Pontodrilus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8407. [PMID: 33863974 PMCID: PMC8052329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87984-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pontodrilus litoralis is a cosmopolitan littoral earthworm known to exhibit bioluminescence. Recently, a congeneric species, Pontodrilus longissimus, from Thailand was described. These species are sympatric, but their burrowing depths on Thai beaches are different. In this study, we examined the in vivo and in vitro bioluminescent properties of P. longissimus and P. litoralis. Mechanical stimulation induced in vivo luminescence in P. litoralis, as reported previously, but not in P. longissimus. In vitro cross-reaction tests between these species revealed the absence of luciferin and luciferase activities in P. longissimus. The coelomic fluid of P. litoralis had strong fluorescence that matched the spectral maximum of its bioluminescence, but the same result was not observed for P. longissimus. These results suggest that P. litoralis has luminescence abilities due to the creation of bioluminescent components (i.e., luciferin, luciferase, and light emitters). The presence of both luminous and nonluminous species in a single genus is likely widespread, but only a few examples have been confirmed. Our findings provide insight into the possible functions of bioluminescence in earthworms, such as avoiding predation by littoral earwigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerapong Seesamut
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Daichi Yano
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - José Paitio
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Ikuhiko Kin
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan
| | - Somsak Panha
- Animal Systematics Research Unit, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.,Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand
| | - Yuichi Oba
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai, 487-8501, Japan.
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17
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Taboada S, Serra Silva A, Díez-Vives C, Neal L, Cristobo J, Ríos P, Hestetun JT, Clark B, Rossi ME, Junoy J, Navarro J, Riesgo A. Sleeping with the enemy: unravelling the symbiotic relationships between the scale worm Neopolynoe chondrocladiae (Annelida: Polynoidae) and its carnivorous sponge hosts. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The North Atlantic deep-water polynoid worm Neopolynoe chondrocladiae is involved in an exceptional symbiotic relationship with two hosts: the carnivorous sponges Chondrocladia robertballardi and Chondrocladia virgata. While this is an obligate symbiotic relationship, its real nature is unclear. We used a multidisciplinary approach to narrow down the type of symbiotic relationship between symbiont and hosts. Molecular connectivity analyses using COI and 16S suggest that N. chondrocladiae has high potential for dispersal, connecting sites hundreds of kilometres apart, likely aided by oceanographic currents. Microbial analyses on different anatomical parts of five Chondrocladia species suggest that the presence of the worm in C. robertballardi does not affect the microbiome of the sponge. MicroCT analysis on N. chondrocladiae show that it has dorsally oriented parapodia, which might prevent the worm from getting trapped in the sponge. A faecal pellet recovered from the worm suggests that the polynoid feeds on the crustacean prey captured by the sponge, something corroborated by our stable isotope analysis. Light and confocal microscopy images suggest that N. chondrocladiae elytra produce bioluminescence. We propose that the worm might use bioluminescence as a lure for prey (increasing the food available for both the sponge and the polynoid) and thus fuelling a mutualistic relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Taboada
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Apdo. 20, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
- Departamento de Biología (Zoología), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Serra Silva
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, UK
| | - Cristina Díez-Vives
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
| | - Lenka Neal
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
| | - Javier Cristobo
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Apdo. 20, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón, C/ Príncipe de Asturias 70 bis, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pilar Ríos
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Apdo. 20, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Santander, Promontorio San Martín s/n, Apdo. 240, Santander, Spain
| | - Jon Thomassen Hestetun
- NORCE Environment, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112 NO-5838 Bergen, Norway
| | - Brett Clark
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
| | | | - Juan Junoy
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Apdo. 20, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Joan Navarro
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37–49, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
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18
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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: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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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19
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Evidence for de novo Biosynthesis of the Luminous Substrate Coelenterazine in Ctenophores. iScience 2020; 23:101859. [PMID: 33376974 PMCID: PMC7756133 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coelenterazine is a key substrate involved in marine bioluminescence which is used for light-production by at least nine phyla. Some luminous animals, such as the hydromedusa Aequorea, lack the ability to produce coelenterazine endogenously and instead depend on dietary sources. Little is known about the source organisms or the metabolic process of coelenterazine biosynthesis. Here, we present evidence that ctenophores are both producers and suppliers of coelenterazine in marine ecosystems. Using biochemical assays and mass spectrometry analyses, we detected coelenterazine from cultured ctenophores fed with a non-luminous coelenterazine-free diet. We propose that ctenophores are an emerging model organism to study coelenterazine biosynthesis and the origins of bioluminescence.
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20
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Chatragadda R. Terrestrial and marine bioluminescent organisms from the Indian subcontinent: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:747. [PMID: 33150454 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08685-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The inception of bioluminescence by Harvey (1952) has led to a Nobel Prize to Osamu Shimomura (Chemistry, 2008) in biological research. Consequently, in recent years, bioluminescence-based assays to monitor toxic pollutants as a real-time marker, to study various diseases and their propagation in plants and animals, are developed in many countries. The emission ability of bioluminescence is improved by gene modification, and also, search for novel bioluminescent systems is underway. Over 100 species of organisms belonging to different taxa are known to be luminous in India. However, the diversity and distribution of luminous organisms and their applications are studied scarcely in the Indian scenario. In this context, the present review provides an overview of the current understanding of various bioluminescent organisms, functions, and applications. A detailed checklist of known bioluminescent organisms from India's marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems is detailed. This review infers that Indian scientists are needed to extend their research on various aspects of luminescent organisms such as biodiversity, genomics, and chemical mechanisms for conservation, ecological, and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Chatragadda
- Biological Oceanography Division (BOD), CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Dona Paula, Goa, 403004, India.
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21
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Claes JM, Delroisse J, Grace MA, Doosey MH, Duchatelet L, Mallefet J. Histological evidence for secretory bioluminescence from pectoral pockets of the American Pocket Shark (Mollisquama mississippiensis). Sci Rep 2020; 10:18762. [PMID: 33128012 PMCID: PMC7599239 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of pocket shark pectoral pockets has puzzled scientists over decades. Here, we show that the pockets of the American Pocket Shark (Mollisquama mississippiensis) contain a brightly fluorescent stratified cubic epithelium enclosed in a pigmented sheath and in close contact with the basal cartilage of the pectoral fins; cells of this epithelium display a centripetal gradient in size and a centrifuge gradient in fluorescence. These results strongly support the idea that pocket shark's pockets are exocrine holocrine glands capable of discharging a bioluminescent fluid, potentially upon a given movement of the pectoral fin. Such capability has been reported in many other marine organisms and is typically used as a close-range defensive trick. In situ observations would be required to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M Claes
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Jérôme Delroisse
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Biosciences Institute, University of Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mark A Grace
- NOAA/NMFS, SEFSC/Mississippi Laboratories, 3209 Fredric St., Pascagoula, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Michael H Doosey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70148, USA
| | - Laurent Duchatelet
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Mallefet
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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22
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Tessler M, Gaffney JP, Oliveira AG, Guarnaccia A, Dobi KC, Gujarati NA, Galbraith M, Mirza JD, Sparks JS, Pieribone VA, Wood RJ, Gruber DF. A putative chordate luciferase from a cosmopolitan tunicate indicates convergent bioluminescence evolution across phyla. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17724. [PMID: 33082360 PMCID: PMC7576829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrosomes are tunicates in the phylum Chordata, which also contains vertebrates. Their gigantic blooms play important ecological and biogeochemical roles in oceans. Pyrosoma, meaning "fire-body", derives from their brilliant bioluminescence. The biochemistry of this light production is unknown, but has been hypothesized to be bacterial in origin. We found that mixing coelenterazine-a eukaryote-specific luciferin-with Pyrosoma atlanticum homogenate produced light. To identify the bioluminescent machinery, we sequenced P. atlanticum transcriptomes and found a sequence match to a cnidarian luciferase (RLuc). We expressed this novel luciferase (PyroLuc) and, combined with coelenterazine, it produced light. A similar gene was recently predicted from a bioluminescent brittle star, indicating that RLuc-like luciferases may have evolved convergently from homologous dehalogenases across phyla (Cnidaria, Echinodermata, and Chordata). This report indicates that a widespread gene may be able to functionally converge, resulting in bioluminescence across animal phyla, and describes and characterizes the first putative chordate luciferase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tessler
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA. .,Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Jean P Gaffney
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA. .,The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, USA.
| | - Anderson G Oliveira
- Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e, Geológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Andrew Guarnaccia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Krista C Dobi
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Nehaben A Gujarati
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Moira Galbraith
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada
| | - Jeremy D Mirza
- Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e, Geológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-120, Brazil.,Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - John S Sparks
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA.,Division of Vertebrate Zoology, Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | | | - Robert J Wood
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David F Gruber
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024, USA. .,Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10010, USA. .,The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, USA.
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23
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Heredia Rivera B, Rodríguez MG, Rodríguez-Heredia M, Rodríguez-Heredia B, Barois I, González Segovia R. Characterisation by Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Pigments in Mucus Secreted of Earthworm Eisenia foetida Exposed to Lead. J Fluoresc 2020; 30:725-733. [PMID: 32410085 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-020-02533-y] [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: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The earthworm exposed to toxics shows physiological responses as: avoidance and mucus secretion. Heavy metals are particularly toxic to earthworms and the mucus secretion has been considered as a defence mechanism against undesirable substance. The chromophores present in the mucus secretion of Eisenia foetida have been poorly studied. Mucus secretion of E. foetida was induced by PbCl2. High PbCl2 concentrations provoked abundant mucus secretion which showed fluorescence when illuminated by UV light. Dialysis membrane separation, UV Visible and Excitation-Emission Matrix Fluorescence (EEM) spectroscopy were used to characterise the fluorescent pigments. EEM spectroscopy analysis of the mucus secretion signalled three excitation-emission peaks at: 310/380 nm, 370/520 nm and 440/520 nm. Two fluorophores were separated by dialysis. One of them matched the fluorescent compound riboflavin excitation-emission profile; the other is a protein with a peak 290/350 nm. Native-PAGE electrophoresis was conducted to assess the riboflavin-biding ability of the coelomic fluid protein produced by Eisenia foetida showing a high riboflavin-biding ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birmania Heredia Rivera
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Center of Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Martín Gerardo Rodríguez
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Center of Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
| | | | - Birmania Rodríguez-Heredia
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Center of Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Isabelle Barois
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo González Segovia
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Center of Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, 940 Av. Universidad, Ciudad Universitaria, 20131, Aguascalientes, Mexico
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24
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Khakhar A, Starker CG, Chamness JC, Lee N, Stokke S, Wang C, Swanson R, Rizvi F, Imaizumi T, Voytas DF. Building customizable auto-luminescent luciferase-based reporters in plants. eLife 2020; 9:52786. [PMID: 32209230 PMCID: PMC7164954 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence is a powerful biological signal that scientists have repurposed as a reporter for gene expression in plants and animals. However, there are downsides associated with the need to provide a substrate to these reporters, including its high cost and non-uniform tissue penetration. In this work we reconstitute a fungal bioluminescence pathway (FBP) in planta using a composable toolbox of parts. We demonstrate that the FBP can create luminescence across various tissues in a broad range of plants without external substrate addition. We also show how our toolbox can be used to deploy the FBP in planta to build auto-luminescent reporters for the study of gene-expression and hormone fluxes. A low-cost imaging platform for gene expression profiling is also described. These experiments lay the groundwork for future construction of programmable auto-luminescent plant traits, such as light driven plant-pollinator interactions or light emitting plant-based sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Khakhar
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Colby G Starker
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - James C Chamness
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Nayoung Lee
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Sydney Stokke
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Cecily Wang
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Ryan Swanson
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Furva Rizvi
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
| | - Takato Imaizumi
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Daniel F Voytas
- Department Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Center for Precision Plant Genomics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States
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25
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Mirza JD, Migotto ÁE, Yampolsky IV, de Moraes GV, Tsarkova AS, Oliveira AG. Chaetopterus variopedatus Bioluminescence: A Review of Light Emission within a Species Complex. Photochem Photobiol 2020; 96:768-778. [PMID: 32012290 DOI: 10.1111/php.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chaetopterus variopedatus has been studied for over a century in terms of its physiology, ecology and life history. One focus of research is on its intrinsic bioluminescent emissions, which can be observed as a blue light emitted from the extremities of individual body segments, or as a secreted mucus. Even though research shows that C. variopedatus is a species complex miscategorized as a single species, all of the variants of this polychaete produce light, which has been investigated in terms of both physiology and biochemistry. Despite decades of study, there are still many questions about the luminescence reaction, and, as of yet, no clear function for light emission exists. This review summarizes the current knowledge on C. variopedatus luminescence in addition to briefly describing its morphology, life cycle and ecology. Possible functions for luminescence were discussed using observations of specimens found in Brazil, along with a comparison of previous studies of other luminescent organisms. Further study will provide a better understanding of how and why C. variopedatus produces luminescence, and purifying the protein and luciferin involved could lead to new bioanalytical applications, as this reaction is unique among all known luminescent systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Mirza
- Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e Geológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Álvaro E Migotto
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, Brazil
| | - Ilia V Yampolsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gabriela V de Moraes
- Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e Geológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aleksandra S Tsarkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anderson G Oliveira
- Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e Geológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kin I, Jimi N, Oba Y. Bioluminescence properties of Thelepus japonicus (Annelida: Terebelliformia). LUMINESCENCE 2019; 34:602-606. [PMID: 31083817 DOI: 10.1002/bio.3643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Terebelliformia is a benthic group of marine annelid worms. The bioluminescence of several species has been reported in taxonomical and histological literature, but very little information is known about the biochemical aspects of this phenomenon. In this study, we examined the basic properties of the luminescence system using an extract of the Japanese terebelliform worm, Thelepus japonicus. The bioluminescence extract was soluble in water, and emitted blue-green light at λmax 508 nm following the addition of divalent cations. This triggering action was highly specific to Fe2+ and addition of ATP, H2 O2 or coelenterazine did not enhance activity. The bioluminescence was inactivated by heat treatment and organic solvents, indicating the involvement of a protein component. These results suggested that Thelepus worm produces light using a novel system that differs from that in other known luminescent annelids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuhiko Kin
- Department of Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Naoto Jimi
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oba
- Department of Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
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27
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Fleiss A, Sarkisyan KS. A brief review of bioluminescent systems (2019). Curr Genet 2019; 65:877-882. [PMID: 30850867 PMCID: PMC6620254 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-019-00951-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite being widely used in reporter technologies, bioluminescent systems are largely understudied. Of at least forty different bioluminescent systems thought to exist in nature, molecular components of only seven light-emitting reactions are known, and the full biochemical pathway leading to light emission is only understood for two of them. Here, we provide a succinct overview of currently known bioluminescent systems highlighting available tools for research and discussing future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Fleiss
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Karen S Sarkisyan
- Synthetic Biology Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK. .,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,Planta LLC, Bolshoi Boulevard, 42 Str 1, Office 335, Moscow, 121205, Russia. .,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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28
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Abstract
We present identification of the luciferase and enzymes of the biosynthesis of a eukaryotic luciferin from fungi. Fungi possess a simple bioluminescent system, with luciferin being only two enzymatic steps from well-known metabolic pathways. The expression of genes from the fungal bioluminescent pathway is not toxic to eukaryotic cells, and the luciferase can be easily co-opted to bioimaging applications. With the fungal system being a genetically encodable bioluminescent system from eukaryotes, it is now possible to create artificially bioluminescent eukaryotes by expression of three genes. The fungal bioluminescent system represents an example of molecular evolution of a complex ecological trait and with molecular details reported in the paper, will allow additional research into ecological significance of fungal bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is found across the entire tree of life, conferring a spectacular set of visually oriented functions from attracting mates to scaring off predators. Half a dozen different luciferins, molecules that emit light when enzymatically oxidized, are known. However, just one biochemical pathway for luciferin biosynthesis has been described in full, which is found only in bacteria. Here, we report identification of the fungal luciferase and three other key enzymes that together form the biosynthetic cycle of the fungal luciferin from caffeic acid, a simple and widespread metabolite. Introduction of the identified genes into the genome of the yeast Pichia pastoris along with caffeic acid biosynthesis genes resulted in a strain that is autoluminescent in standard media. We analyzed evolution of the enzymes of the luciferin biosynthesis cycle and found that fungal bioluminescence emerged through a series of events that included two independent gene duplications. The retention of the duplicated enzymes of the luciferin pathway in nonluminescent fungi shows that the gene duplication was followed by functional sequence divergence of enzymes of at least one gene in the biosynthetic pathway and suggests that the evolution of fungal bioluminescence proceeded through several closely related stepping stone nonluminescent biochemical reactions with adaptive roles. The availability of a complete eukaryotic luciferin biosynthesis pathway provides several applications in biomedicine and bioengineering.
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29
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Novel gene encoding a unique luciferase from the fireworm Odontsyllis undecimdonta. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12789. [PMID: 30143699 PMCID: PMC6109096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31086-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Luciferases identified or engineered so far emit violet, blue, blue-green, green, yellow, red or near infra-red light. The unique and beautiful bluish-green bioluminescence of fireworms Odontosyllis spp. has attracted particular interest, however, their molecular basis is totally unknown partly due to the difficulty of animal collection. Here we report a novel type of luciferase gene from the Japanese fireworm O. undecimdonta. The major SDS-PAGE band of the luminous mucus showed luciferase activity. A highly sensitive mass spectrometry analysis in combination with RNA sequencing technique revealed that this band was product of a single gene with no homology to any other sequences in public databases. The recombinant protein of this putative luciferase gene expressed in mammalian cells produced the same unique bluish-green emission peak as the fireworm crude extract, indicating that this novel gene is the genuine fireworm luciferase with an evolutionary different origin from other luciferases previously described. Our findings extend the repertoire of luciferin/luciferase system to previously unavailable wavelength range.
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Brugler MR, Aguado MT, Tessler M, Siddall ME. The transcriptome of the Bermuda fireworm Odontosyllis enopla (Annelida: Syllidae): A unique luciferase gene family and putative epitoky-related genes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200944. [PMID: 30089107 PMCID: PMC6082529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bermuda fireworm Odontosyllis enopla exhibits an extremely tight circalunar circadian behavior that results in an impressive bioluminescent mating swarm, thought to be due to a conventional luciferase-mediated oxidation of a light-emitting luciferin. In addition, the four eyes become hypertrophied and heavily pigmented, and the nephridial system is modified to store and release gametes and associated secretions. In an effort to elucidate transcripts related to bioluminescence, circadian or circalunar periodicity, as well as epitoky-related changes of the eyes and nephridial system, we examined the transcriptomic profile of three female O. enopla during a bioluminescent swarm in Ferry Reach, Bermuda. Using the well-characterized luciferase gene of the Japanese syllid Odontosyllis undecimdonta as a reference, a complete best-matching luciferase open reading frame (329 amino acids in length) was found in all three individuals analyzed in addition to numerous other paralogous sequences in this new gene family. No photoproteins were detected. We also recovered a predicted homolog of 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (268 amino acids in length) that best matched luciferase of the firefly Luciola with the best predicted template being the crystal structure of luciferase for Photinus pyralis, the common eastern firefly. A wide variety of genes associated with periodicity were recovered including predicted homologs of clock, bmal1, period, and timeless. Several genes corresponding to putative epitoky-related changes of the eyes were recovered including predicted homologs of a phototransduction gene, a retinol dehydrogenase and carotenoid isomerooxygenase as well as a visual perception related retinal rod rhodopsin-sensitive cGMP 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase. Genes correlating to putative epitoky-related changes of the nephridia included predicted homologs of nephrocystin-3 and an egg-release sex peptide receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercer R. Brugler
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
- Biological Sciences Department, NYC College of Technology, City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - M. Teresa Aguado
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Tessler
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark E. Siddall
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
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Luciferase of the Japanese syllid polychaete Odontosyllis umdecimdonta. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 502:318-323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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32
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Verdes A, Holford M. Beach to Bench to Bedside: Marine Invertebrate Biochemical Adaptations and Their Applications in Biotechnology and Biomedicine. Results Probl Cell Differ 2018; 65:359-376. [PMID: 30083928 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92486-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ocean covers more than 70% of the surface of the planet and harbors very diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical coral reefs to the deepest ocean trenches, with some of the most extreme conditions of pressure, temperature, and light. Organisms living in these environments have been subjected to strong selective pressures through millions of years of evolution, resulting in a plethora of remarkable adaptations that serve a variety of vital functions. Some of these adaptations, including venomous secretions and light-emitting compounds or ink, represent biochemical innovations in which marine invertebrates have developed novel and unique bioactive compounds with enormous potential for basic and applied research. Marine biotechnology, defined as the application of science and technology to marine organisms for the production of knowledge, goods, and services, can harness the enormous possibilities of these unique bioactive compounds acting as a bridge between biological knowledge and applications. This chapter highlights some of the most exceptional biochemical adaptions found specifically in marine invertebrates and describes the biotechnological and biomedical applications derived from them to improve the quality of human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Verdes
- Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología (Zoología), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College Belfer Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mandë Holford
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College Belfer Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA.
- The Graduate Center, Program in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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