1
|
Roshan S, Hymas M, Stavros VG, Omidyan R. New theoretical insights on the nonradiative relaxation mechanism of the core structure of mycosporines: The amino-cyclohexenone central template. J Chem Phys 2024; 161:094301. [PMID: 39225515 DOI: 10.1063/5.0222147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a comprehensive computational study describing the excited state dynamics and consequent photostability of amino-cyclohexenone (ACyO), the central template of mycosporine systems, widely recognized for their photoprotection of aquatic species. Photoexcitation to the first excited electronic state (S1, 1nπ*) of ACyO is considered an optically dark transition, while photoexcitation to the second excited electronic state (S21ππ*) is an optically bright 1ππ* transition and largely responsible for UV absorption properties of this molecule. We show that following initial photoexcitation to S2, ACyO relaxes via two competing deactivation mechanisms, each mediated by an S1/S0 conical intersection, which directs the excited state population to the electronic ground state (S0). Our ab initio computational results are supported with nonadiabatic dynamics simulation results, yielding an excited state lifetime of ∼280 fs for this system in vacuo. These results explain the inherent photostability of this core structure, commonplace in a wide range of microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simin Roshan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Isfahan, 81746-73441 Isfahan, Iran
| | - Michael Hymas
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Vasilios G Stavros
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Reza Omidyan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Isfahan, 81746-73441 Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Punchakara A, Prajapat G, Bairwa HK, Jain S, Agrawal A. Applications of mycosporine-like amino acids beyond photoprotection. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0074023. [PMID: 37843273 PMCID: PMC10686070 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00740-23] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen a lot of interest in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) because of their alleged potential as a natural microbial sunscreen. Since chemical ultraviolet (UV) absorbers are unsafe for long-term usage, the demand for natural UV-absorbing substances has increased. In this situation, MAA is a strong contender for an eco-friendly UV protector. The capacity of MAAs to absorb light in the UV-A (320-400 nm) and UV-B (280-320 nm) range without generating free radicals is potentially relevant in photoprotection. The usage of MAAs for purposes other than photoprotection has now shifted in favor of medicinal applications. Aside from UV absorption, MAAs also have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-photoaging, cell proliferation stimulators, anti-cancer agents, and anti-adipogenic properties. Recently, MAAs application to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection was also investigated. In this review article, we highlight the biomedical applications of MAAs that go beyond photoprotection, which can help in utilizing the MAAs as promising bioactive compounds in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhila Punchakara
- Energy and Environment Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganshyam Prajapat
- The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Himanshu Kumar Bairwa
- Energy and Environment Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shikha Jain
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Dehmi Kalan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Akhil Agrawal
- Energy and Environment Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arsın S, Delbaje E, Jokela J, Wahlsten M, Farrar ZM, Permi P, Fewer D. A Plastic Biosynthetic Pathway for the Production of Structurally Distinct Microbial Sunscreens. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1959-1967. [PMID: 37603862 PMCID: PMC10510106 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are small, colorless, and water-soluble secondary metabolites. They have high molar extinction coefficients and a unique UV radiation absorption mechanism that make them effective sunscreens. Here we report the discovery of two structurally distinct MAAs from the lichen symbiont strain Nostoc sp. UHCC 0926. We identified these MAAs as aplysiapalythine E (C23H38N2O15) and tricore B (C34H53N4O15) using a combination of high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We obtained a 8.3 Mb complete genome sequence of Nostoc sp. UHCC 0926 to gain insights into the genetic basis for the biosynthesis of these two structural distinct MAAs. We identified MAA biosynthetic genes encoded in three separate locations of the genome. The organization of biosynthetic enzymes in Nostoc sp. UHCC 0926 necessitates a branched biosynthetic pathway to produce two structurally distinct MAAs. We detected the presence of such discontiguous MAA biosynthetic gene clusters in 12% of the publicly available complete cyanobacterial genomes. Bioinformatic analysis of public MAA biosynthetic gene clusters suggests that they are subject to rapid evolutionary processes resulting in highly plastic biosynthetic pathways that are responsible for the chemical diversity in this family of microbial sunscreens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sıla Arsın
- University
of Helsinki, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- University
of São Paulo, Center for Nuclear
Energy in Agriculture, Avenida Centenário 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jouni Jokela
- University
of Helsinki, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Wahlsten
- University
of Helsinki, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zoë M. Farrar
- University
of Helsinki, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Perttu Permi
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department
of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - David Fewer
- University
of Helsinki, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen ZH, Guo YW, Li XW. Recent advances on marine mollusk-derived natural products: chemistry, chemical ecology and therapeutical potential. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:509-556. [PMID: 35942896 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00021k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2011-2021Marine mollusks, which are well known as rich sources of diverse and biologically active natural products, have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their chemical and pharmacological properties. The occurrence of some of these marine mollusk-derived natural products in their preys, predators, and associated microorganisms has also gained interest in chemical ecology research. Based on previous reviews, herein, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent advances of interesting secondary metabolites from marine mollusks, focusing on their structural features, possible chemo-ecological significance, and promising biological activities, covering the literature from 2011 to 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue-Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| | - Xu-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sensitized by a sea slug: site-specific short-term and general long-term sensitization in Aplysia following Navanax attack. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 187:107542. [PMID: 34748927 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurobiological studies of the model species, Aplysia californica (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Euopisthobranchia), have helped advance our knowledge of the neural bases of different forms of learning, including sensitization, a non-associative increase in withdrawal behaviors in response to mild innocuous stimuli However, our understanding of the natural context for this learning has lagged behind the mechanistic studies. Because previous studies of sensitization used electric shock, or other artificial stimulus to produce sensitization, they left unaddressed the question of what stimuli in nature might cause sensitization, until our laboratory demonstrated short and long-term sensitization after predatory attack by spiny lobsters. In the present study, we tested for sensitization after attack by a very different predator, the predacious sea-slug, Navanax inermis (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Euopisthobranchia). Unlike the biting and prodding action of lobster attack, Navanax uses a rapid strike that sucks and squeezes its prey in an attempt to swallow it whole. We found that Navanax attack to the head of Aplysia caused strong immediate sensitization of head withdrawal, and weaker, delayed, sensitization of tail-mantle withdrawal. By contrast, attack to the tail of Aplysia resulted in no sensitization of either reflex. We also developed an artificial attack stimulus that allowed us to mimick a more consistently strong attack. This artificial attack produced stronger but qualitatively similar sensitization: Strong immediate sensitization of head withdrawal and weaker sensitization of tail-mantle withdrawal after head attack, immediate sensitization in tail-mantle withdrawal, but no sensitization of head withdrawal after tail attack. We conclude that Navanax attack causes robust site-specific sensitization (enhanced sensitization near the site of attack), and weaker general sensitization (sensitization of responses to stimuli distal to the attack site). We also tested for long-term sensitization (lasting longer than 24 hours) after temporally-spaced delivery of four natural Navanax attacks to the head of subject Aplysia. Surprisingly, these head attacks, any one of which strongly sensitizes head withdrawal in the short term, failed to sensitize head-withdrawal in the long term. Paradoxically, these repeated head attacks produced long-term sensitization in tail-mantle withdrawal. These experiments and observations confirm that Navanax attack causes short, and long-term sensitization of withdrawal reflexes of Aplysia. Together with the observation of sensitization after lobster attack, they strongly support the premise that sensitization in Aplysia is an adaptive response to sub-lethal predator attack. They also add site-specific sensitization to the list of naturally induced learning phenotypes, as well as paradoxical long-term sensitization of tail-mantle withdrawal (but not head withdrawal) after multiple head attacks.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen M, Rubin GM, Jiang G, Raad Z, Ding Y. Biosynthesis and Heterologous Production of Mycosporine-Like Amino Acid Palythines. J Org Chem 2021; 86:11160-11168. [PMID: 34006097 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are a family of natural products that are produced by a variety of organisms for protection from ultraviolet damage. In this work, we combined different bioinformatic approaches to assess the distribution of the MAA biosynthesis and identified a putative gene cluster from Nostoc linckia NIES-25 that encodes a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase and a nonheme iron(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase (MysH) as potential new biosynthetic enzymes. Heterologous expression of refactored gene clusters in E. coli produced two known biosynthetic intermediates, 4-deoxygadusol and mycosporine-glycine, and three disubstituted MAA analogues, porphyra-334, shinorine, and mycosporine-glycine-alanine. Importantly, the disubstituted MAAs were converted into palythines by MysH. Furthermore, biochemical characterization revealed the substrate preference of recombinant MysD, a d-Ala-d-Ala ligase-like enzyme for the formation of disubstituted MAAs. Our study advances the biosynthetic understanding of an important family of natural UV photoprotectants and opens new opportunities to the development of next-generation sunscreens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manyun Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Garret M Rubin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Guangde Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Zachary Raad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Yousong Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Geraldes V, Pinto E. Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs): Biology, Chemistry and Identification Features. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:63. [PMID: 33466685 PMCID: PMC7828830 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycosporines and mycosporine-like amino acids are ultra-violet-absorbing compounds produced by several organisms such as lichens, fungi, algae and cyanobacteria, especially upon exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. These compounds have photoprotective and antioxidant functions. Mycosporine-like amino acids have been used as a natural bioactive ingredient in cosmetic products. Several reviews have already been developed on these photoprotective compounds, but they focus on specific features. Herein, an extremely complete database on mycosporines and mycosporine-like amino acids, covering the whole class of these natural sunscreen compounds known to date, is presented. Currently, this database has 74 compounds and provides information about the chemistry, absorption maxima, protonated mass, fragments and molecular structure of these UV-absorbing compounds as well as their presence in organisms. This platform completes the previous reviews and is available online for free and in the public domain. This database is a useful tool for natural product data mining, dereplication studies, research working in the field of UV-absorbing compounds mycosporines and being integrated in mass spectrometry library software.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Geraldes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Butantã, São Paulo-SP CEP 05508-000, Brazil;
- Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Piracicaba-SP CEP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Ernani Pinto
- Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Piracicaba-SP CEP 13400-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Werner N, Orfanoudaki M, Hartmann A, Ganzera M, Sommaruga R. Low temporal dynamics of mycosporine-like amino acids in benthic cyanobacteria from an alpine lake. FRESHWATER BIOLOGY 2021; 66:169-176. [PMID: 33510548 PMCID: PMC7821102 DOI: 10.1111/fwb.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are one of the oldest organisms on Earth and they originated at a time when damaging ultraviolet (UV) C radiation still reached the surface. Their long evolution led to several adaptations to avoid deleterious effects caused by exposure to solar UV radiation. Synthesis of sunscreen substances, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), allows them to photosynthesise with reduced risk of cell damage. The interplay of solar UV radiation and MAAs is well documented for cyanobacteria in the plankton realm, but little is known for those in the benthic realm, particularly of clear alpine lakes.Here, we assessed the temporal dynamics of MAAs in the benthic algal community of one clear alpine lake dominated by cyanobacteria during the ice-free season and along a depth gradient using state-of-the-art analytical methods (high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). We differentiated between the epilithic cyanobacterial community and the overlying loosely attached filamentous cyanobacteria, as we expected they will have an important shielding/shading effect on the former. We hypothesised that in contrast to the case of phytoplankton, benthic cyanobacteria will show less pronounced temporal changes in MAAs concentration in response to changes in solar UV exposure.Three UV-absorbing substances were present in both types of communities, whereby all were unknown. The chemical structure of the dominant unknown substance (maximum absorption at 334 nm) resulted in the identification of a novel MAA that we named aplysiapalythine-D for its similarity to the previously described aplysiapalythine-C.Chlorophyll-a-specific MAA concentrations for epilithic and filamentous cyanobacteria showed a significant decrease with depth, although only traces were found in the former community. The temporal dynamics in MAA concentrations of filamentous cyanobacteria showed no significant variations during the ice-free season.Our result on the low temporal MAA dynamics agrees with the reduced growth rates of benthic cyanobacteria reported for cold ecosystems. The permanent presence of this community, which is adapted to the high UV levels characteristic of clear alpine lakes, probably represents the most important primary producers of these ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Werner
- Department of EcologyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Maria Orfanoudaki
- Institute of PharmacyPharmacognosyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Anja Hartmann
- Institute of PharmacyPharmacognosyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Markus Ganzera
- Institute of PharmacyPharmacognosyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Ruben Sommaruga
- Department of EcologyUniversity of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Avila C, Angulo-Preckler C. Bioactive Compounds from Marine Heterobranchs. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:657. [PMID: 33371188 PMCID: PMC7767343 DOI: 10.3390/md18120657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural products of heterobranch molluscs display a huge variability both in structure and in their bioactivity. Despite the considerable lack of information, it can be observed from the recent literature that this group of animals possesses an astonishing arsenal of molecules from different origins that provide the molluscs with potent chemicals that are ecologically and pharmacologically relevant. In this review, we analyze the bioactivity of more than 450 compounds from ca. 400 species of heterobranch molluscs that are useful for the snails to protect themselves in different ways and/or that may be useful to us because of their pharmacological activities. Their ecological activities include predator avoidance, toxicity, antimicrobials, antifouling, trail-following and alarm pheromones, sunscreens and UV protection, tissue regeneration, and others. The most studied ecological activity is predation avoidance, followed by toxicity. Their pharmacological activities consist of cytotoxicity and antitumoral activity; antibiotic, antiparasitic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activity; and activity against neurodegenerative diseases and others. The most studied pharmacological activities are cytotoxicity and anticancer activities, followed by antibiotic activity. Overall, it can be observed that heterobranch molluscs are extremely interesting in regard to the study of marine natural products in terms of both chemical ecology and biotechnology studies, providing many leads for further detailed research in these fields in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Carlos Angulo-Preckler
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain;
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Solano F. Metabolism and Functions of Amino Acids in the Skin. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1265:187-199. [PMID: 32761577 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45328-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins, including the most abundant fibrous proteins in the skin, as keratins, collagen and elastin. Sagging and wrinkled skin are features of chronic sun-damaged and aged uncared skin, and they are mainly associated with the deterioration of collagen and elastic fibers. The maintenance of skin structures by self-repair processes is essential to skin health. Thus, amino acids significantly impact the appearance of the skin. Amino acids are important nutrients required for (a) wound healing promotion and repair of the damaged skin; (b) acid-base balance and water retention in cellular layers, such as stratum corneum; (c) protection against sunlight damage; (d) maintenance of an appropriate skin microbiome. This review highlights the contribution of all proteinogenic amino acids and some related metabolites to the skin structures as constituents of the main cutaneous proteins or as signaling molecules for the regulation and determination of skin physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Solano
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, School of Medicine, LAIB-IMIB University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alves C, Silva J, Pinteus S, Gaspar H, Alpoim MC, Botana LM, Pedrosa R. From Marine Origin to Therapeutics: The Antitumor Potential of Marine Algae-Derived Compounds. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:777. [PMID: 30127738 PMCID: PMC6089330 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine environment has demonstrated to be an interesting source of compounds with uncommon and unique chemical features on which the molecular modeling and chemical synthesis of new drugs can be based with greater efficacy and specificity for the therapeutics. Cancer is a growing public health threat, and despite the advances in biomedical research and technology, there is an urgent need for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this field, it is estimated that more than 60% of commercially available anticancer drugs are natural biomimetic inspired. Among the marine organisms, algae have revealed to be one of the major sources of new compounds of marine origin, including those exhibiting antitumor and cytotoxic potential. These compounds demonstrated ability to mediate specific inhibitory activities on a number of key cellular processes, including apoptosis pathways, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, in both in vitro and in vivo models, revealing their potential to be used as anticancer drugs. This review will focus on the bioactive molecules from algae with antitumor potential, from their origin to their potential uses, with special emphasis to the alga Sphaerococcus coronopifolius as a producer of cytotoxic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celso Alves
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal.,Biology Department, DoMar Doctoral Programme on Marine Science, Technology and Management, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Susete Pinteus
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Helena Gaspar
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences, BioISI - Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria C Alpoim
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis M Botana
- Departament of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rui Pedrosa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chrapusta E, Kaminski A, Duchnik K, Bober B, Adamski M, Bialczyk J. Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids: Potential Health and Beauty Ingredients. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15100326. [PMID: 29065484 PMCID: PMC5666432 DOI: 10.3390/md15100326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin is constantly exposed to damaging ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which induces a number of acute and chronic disorders. To reduce the risk of UV-induced skin injury, people apply an additional external protection in the form of cosmetic products containing sunscreens. Nowadays, because of the use of some chemical filters raises a lot of controversies, research focuses on exploring novel, fully safe and highly efficient natural UV-absorbing compounds that could be used as active ingredients in sun care products. A promising alternative is the application of multifunctional mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which can effectively compete with commercially available filters. Here, we outline a complete characterization of these compounds and discuss their enormous biotechnological potential with special emphasis on their use as sunscreens, activators of cells proliferation, anti-cancer agents, anti-photoaging molecules, stimulators of skin renewal, and functional ingredients of UV-protective biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Chrapusta
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
- Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ariel Kaminski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Kornelia Duchnik
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Beata Bober
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Michal Adamski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jan Bialczyk
- Department of Plant Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Osborn AR, Kean KM, Karplus PA, Mahmud T. The sedoheptulose 7-phosphate cyclases and their emerging roles in biology and ecology. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 34:945-956. [PMID: 28497152 DOI: 10.1039/c7np00017k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering up to: 1999-2016This highlight covers a family of enzymes of growing importance, the sedoheptulose 7-phosphate cyclases, initially of interest due to their involvement in the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically relevant secondary metabolites. More recently, these enzymes have been found throughout Prokarya and Eukarya, suggesting their broad potential biological roles in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Osborn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3507, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oda Y, Zhang Q, Matsunaga S, Fujita MJ, Sakai R. Two New Mycosporine-like Amino Acids LC-343 and Mycosporine-ethanolamine from the Micronesian Marine Sponge Lendenfeldia chondrodes. CHEM LETT 2017. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.170490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Oda
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611
| | - Quang Zhang
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611
| | - Satoko Matsunaga
- National Institute of Technology, Hakodate College, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-8501
| | - Masaki J Fujita
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611
| | - Ryuichi Sakai
- Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-8611
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kamio M, Derby CD. Finding food: how marine invertebrates use chemical cues to track and select food. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 34:514-528. [DOI: 10.1039/c6np00121a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review covers recent research on how marine invertebrates use chemical cues to find and select food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Kamio
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
- Tokyo 108-8477
- Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wolfe KD, Wainwright ML, Smee DL, Mozzachiodi R. Eat or be eaten? Modifications of Aplysia californica feeding behaviour in response to natural aversive stimuli. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
17
|
|
18
|
Paredes-Molina FJ, Cubillos VM, Montory JA, Andrade-Villagrán PA. Are embryonic developing modes determinant in the acquisition and levels of photoprotective compounds in slipper limpets of the Crepipatella genus? JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2016; 162:511-518. [PMID: 27472902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The type of embryonic development (mixed and direct) and its influence on the accumulation and translocation of photoprotective compounds from the mother to the encapsulated embryo was studied in the intertidal gastropods Crepipatella peruviana and Crepipatella dilatata during their reproductive peak. HPLC/MS was used to determine type and levels of sunscreen compounds (total carotenoids; TC/and mycosporine-like amino acid; MAA) in brooding females, capsule walls and early and pre-hatching embryos of both species. Photoprotective compounds were only quantified in nurse eggs of C. dilatata. Our results indicate that females of both species can accumulate TC and MAA at different levels, and they are able to transfer them selectively to capsule walls, embryos and nurse eggs. Palythine-serine (MW=244Da; λmax=320nm) and MAA-330 (MW=234Da; λmax=330nm) constitute total MAA pool in brooding females, whereas brooded embryos incorporate palythine (MW=244Da; λmax=320nm) to the MAA pool. Although TC was transferred from the mother to the embryo through the yolk in both species, MAA trespass showed differences. Females of C. peruviana transfer MAA to their embryos through the embryonic yolk; C. dilatata can transfer MAA only through their nurse eggs, which are consumed by embryos during the terminal stages of intracapsular development. Differences between mixed and direct embryonic development, as well as environmental UV-R levels, which the recently hatched larvae and juveniles of C. peruviana and C. dilatata are exposed to, would determine levels of sunscreen compounds in each species. Higher TC and MAA levels in pre-hatching larvae of C. peruviana compared to C. dilatata, indicate a necessity of C. peruviana for protection against UV-R radiation during approximately 15days when their veliger larvae remain in the water column before metamorphosis is complete. Conversely, low photoprotective levels in pre-hatching juveniles of C. dilatata could be related to low UV-R exposure levels due to the direct incorporation to the benthos and the presence of a protective shell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F J Paredes-Molina
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - V M Cubillos
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Laboratorio Costero de Recursos Acuáticos de Calfuco, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
| | - J A Montory
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Centro i-mar, Universidad de los Lagos, Camino Chinquihue km 6, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - P A Andrade-Villagrán
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kleinhappel TK, Burman OHP, John EA, Wilkinson A, Pike TW. Free Amino Acids Mediate Association Preferences in Fish. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences; University of Lincoln; Lincoln UK
| | - Thomas W. Pike
- School of Life Sciences; University of Lincoln; Lincoln UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mazard S, Penesyan A, Ostrowski M, Paulsen IT, Egan S. Tiny Microbes with a Big Impact: The Role of Cyanobacteria and Their Metabolites in Shaping Our Future. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:E97. [PMID: 27196915 PMCID: PMC4882571 DOI: 10.3390/md14050097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are among the first microorganisms to have inhabited the Earth. Throughout the last few billion years, they have played a major role in shaping the Earth as the planet we live in, and they continue to play a significant role in our everyday lives. Besides being an essential source of atmospheric oxygen, marine cyanobacteria are prolific secondary metabolite producers, often despite the exceptionally small genomes. Secondary metabolites produced by these organisms are diverse and complex; these include compounds, such as pigments and fluorescent dyes, as well as biologically-active compounds with a particular interest for the pharmaceutical industry. Cyanobacteria are currently regarded as an important source of nutrients and biofuels and form an integral part of novel innovative energy-efficient designs. Being autotrophic organisms, cyanobacteria are well suited for large-scale biotechnological applications due to the low requirements for organic nutrients. Recent advances in molecular biology techniques have considerably enhanced the potential for industries to optimize the production of cyanobacteria secondary metabolites with desired functions. This manuscript reviews the environmental role of marine cyanobacteria with a particular focus on their secondary metabolites and discusses current and future developments in both the production of desired cyanobacterial metabolites and their potential uses in future innovative projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mazard
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Martin Ostrowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Ian T Paulsen
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Suhelen Egan
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kamio M, Koyama M, Hayashihara N, Hiei K, Uchida H, Watanabe R, Suzuki T, Nagai H. Sequestration of Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and Acrylate from the Green Alga Ulva Spp. by the Sea Hare Aplysia juliana. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:452-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
22
|
Chemical Diversity and Biological Properties of Secondary Metabolites from Sea Hares of Aplysia Genus. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14020039. [PMID: 26907303 PMCID: PMC4771992 DOI: 10.3390/md14020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The marine environment is an important source of structurally-diverse and biologically-active secondary metabolites. During the last two decades, thousands of compounds were discovered in marine organisms, several of them having inspired the development of new classes of therapeutic agents. Marine mollusks constitute a successful phyla in the discovery of new marine natural products (MNPs). Over a 50-year period from 1963, 116 genera of mollusks contributed innumerous compounds, Aplysia being the most studied genus by MNP chemists. This genus includes 36 valid species and should be distinguished from all mollusks as it yielded numerous new natural products. Aplysia sea hares are herbivorous mollusks, which have been proven to be a rich source of secondary metabolites, mostly of dietary origin. The majority of secondary metabolites isolated from sea hares of the genus Aplysia are halogenated terpenes; however, these animals are also a source of compounds from other chemical classes, such as macrolides, sterols and alkaloids, often exhibiting cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and/or antifeedant activities. This review focuses on the diverse structural classes of secondary metabolites found in Aplysia spp., including several compounds with pronounced biological properties.
Collapse
|
23
|
Losantos R, Sampedro D, Churio MS. Photochemistry and photophysics of mycosporine-like amino acids and gadusols, nature’s ultraviolet screens. PURE APPL CHEM 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2015-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and related gadusols are among the most prominent examples of metabolites suggested to act as UV-sunscreens. This review illustrates how experimental and theoretical studies on model MAAs and gadusol offer a helpful description of the photoprotective mechanism at the molecular level. This knowledge may contribute to the rational design of chemical systems with predictable and tuneable response to light stimulus. Synthetic efforts to obtain MAAs and simplified related structures are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Losantos
- 1Departamento de Química, Universidad de La Rioja, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química (CISQ), Madre de Dios, 51, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Diego Sampedro
- 1Departamento de Química, Universidad de La Rioja, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química (CISQ), Madre de Dios, 51, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - María Sandra Churio
- 2Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Dean Funes 3350, B7602AYL, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cubillos VM, Burritt DJ, Lamare MD, Peake BM. The relationship between UV-irradiance, photoprotective compounds and DNA damage in two intertidal invertebrates with contrasting mobility characteristics. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2015; 149:280-8. [PMID: 26117416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The photoprotective role of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA) against the generation of DNA cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) was studied in the sessile intertidal anemone Actinia tenebrosa and the mobile intertidal gastropod Diloma aethiops through 27months at a mid-latitude New Zealand location. MAA were sequestered by A. tenebrosa and D. aethiops from their diet, although maximum total MAA levels in both species were not correlated with seasonal variation in maximum ambient UV-B levels recorded at the collection site. Temporal changes in total MAA in A. tenebrosa showed a six months lag-time in their concentration regarding to the environmental UV-B levels. This lag period corresponded to an observed increase in CPD production from spring to summer; suggesting that MAA do not completely protect the anemone from UV-B during summer. For D. aethiops, total MAA concentrations did not change significantly during the study, although qualitative changes in MAA were apparent. A month lag-time in MAA concentration in D. aethiops and possibly the physical barrier that the shell confers to the animal, can explain reduced CPD levels in comparative terms with A. tenebrosa. Although MAA are used by invertebrates for photoprotection, contrasting mobility characteristics and the presence of physical adaptations can confer them important protection levels during temporal changes of UV-B at mid-latitude places of the Southern Hemisphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mauricio Cubillos
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Department of Botany, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - David J Burritt
- Department of Botany, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miles D Lamare
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Barrie M Peake
- Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Puglisi MP, Sneed JM, Sharp KH, Ritson-Williams R, Paul VJ. Marine chemical ecology in benthic environments. Nat Prod Rep 2014; 31:1510-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c4np00017j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
26
|
Derby CD, Tottempudi M, Love-Chezem T, Wolfe LS. Ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, as a chemical and visual defense against two predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2013; 225:152-160. [PMID: 24445441 DOI: 10.1086/bblv225n3p152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Chemical and visual defenses are used by many organisms to avoid being approached or eaten by predators. An example is inking molluscs-including gastropods such as sea hares and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish, and octopus-which release a colored ink upon approach or attack. Previous work showed that ink can protect molluscs through a combination of chemical, visual, and other effects. In this study, we examined the effects of ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, on the behavior of two species of predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis. Using a cloud assay, we found that ink from longfin inshore squid affected the approach phase of predation by summer flounder, primarily through its visual effects. Using a food assay, we found that the ink affected the consummatory and ingestive phase of predation of both sea catfish and summer flounder, through the ink's chemical properties. Fractionation of ink showed that most of its deterrent chemical activity is associated with melanin granules, suggesting that either compounds adhering to these granules or melanin itself are the most biologically active. This work provides the basis for a comparative approach to identify deterrent molecules from inking cephalopods and to examine neural mechanisms whereby these chemicals affect behavior of fish, using the sea catfish as a chemosensory model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Derby
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303; and The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ferrer RP, Zimmer RK. Community ecology and the evolution of molecules of keystone significance. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2012; 223:167-177. [PMID: 23111129 DOI: 10.1086/bblv223n2p167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecules of keystone significance are vital in structuring ecological communities. Select bioactive compounds can cause disproportionately large effects by connecting such seemingly disparate processes as microbial loop dynamics and apex predation. Here, we develop a general theory and propose mechanisms that could lead to the evolution of keystone molecules. Introduced into a respective community by one, or only a few, autotrophic or microbial species, these compounds often originate as chemical defenses. When co-opted by resistant consumer species, however, they are used either in chemical defense against higher-order predators or as chemosensory cues that elicit courtship and mating, alarm, and predatory search. Requisite to these multifunctional properties, biosynthetic capacity evolves along with mechanisms for resistance and/or toxin storage in primary producers. Subsequently, consumers acquire resistances or tolerances, and the toxins are transferred through food webs via trophic interactions. In consumers, mechanisms eventually evolve for recognizing toxins as feeding cues and, ultimately, as signals or pheromones in chemical communication within or between species. One, or a few, active compounds can thus mediate a vast array of physiological traits, expressed differentially across many species in a given community. Through convergent evolution, molecules of keystone significance provide critical information to phylogenetically diverse species, initiate major trophic cascades, and structure communities within terrestrial, freshwater, coastal-ocean and open-ocean habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Ferrer
- Department of Biology, Seattle Pacific University, 3307 Third Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|