1
|
Calado R, Leal MC, Silva RXG, Borba M, Ferro A, Almeida M, Madeira D, Vieira H. Living Coral Displays, Research Laboratories, and Biobanks as Important Reservoirs of Chemodiversity with Potential for Biodiscovery. Mar Drugs 2025; 23:89. [PMID: 39997213 PMCID: PMC11857471 DOI: 10.3390/md23020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2025] [Revised: 02/13/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, bioprospecting of tropical corals has revealed numerous bioactive compounds with potential for biotechnological applications. However, this search involves sampling in natural reefs, and this is currently hampered by multiple ethical and technological constraints. Living coral displays, research laboratories, and biobanks currently offer an opportunity to continue to unravel coral chemodiversity, acting as "Noah's Arks" that may continue to support the bioprospecting of molecules of interest. This issue is even more relevant if one considers that tropical coral reefs currently face unprecedent threats and irreversible losses that may impair the biodiscovery of molecules with potential for new products, processes, and services. Living coral displays provide controlled environments for studying corals and producing both known and new metabolites under varied conditions, and they are not prone to common bottlenecks associated with bioprospecting in natural coral reefs, such as loss of the source and replicability. Research laboratories may focus on a particular coral species or bioactive compound using corals that were cultured ex situ, although they may differ from wild conspecifics in metabolite production both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Biobanks collect and preserve coral specimens, tissues, cells, and/or information (e.g., genes, associated microorganisms), which offers a plethora of data to support the study of bioactive compounds' mode of action without having to cope with issues related to access, standardization, and regulatory compliance. Bioprospecting in these settings faces several challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it is difficult to ensure the complexity of highly biodiverse ecosystems that shape the production and chemodiversity of corals. On the other hand, it is possible to maximize biomass production and fine tune the synthesis of metabolites of interest under highly controlled environments. Collaborative efforts are needed to overcome barriers and foster opportunities to fully harness the chemodiversity of tropical corals before in-depth knowledge of this pool of metabolites is irreversibly lost due to tropical coral reefs' degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Calado
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Miguel C. Leal
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Ruben X. G. Silva
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Mara Borba
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - António Ferro
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Mariana Almeida
- CESAM, Departamento de Ambiente e Ordenamento, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.A.); (H.V.)
| | - Diana Madeira
- ECOMARE, CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.C.L.); (R.X.G.S.); (M.B.); (A.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Helena Vieira
- CESAM, Departamento de Ambiente e Ordenamento, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.A.); (H.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Blasiak R, Jouffray JB, Amon DJ, Moberg F, Claudet J, Søgaard Jørgensen P, Pranindita A, Wabnitz CCC, Österblom H. A forgotten element of the blue economy: marine biomimetics and inspiration from the deep sea. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac196. [PMID: 36714844 PMCID: PMC9802412 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The morphology, physiology, and behavior of marine organisms have been a valuable source of inspiration for solving conceptual and design problems. Here, we introduce this rich and rapidly expanding field of marine biomimetics, and identify it as a poorly articulated and often overlooked element of the ocean economy associated with substantial monetary benefits. We showcase innovations across seven broad categories of marine biomimetic design (adhesion, antifouling, armor, buoyancy, movement, sensory, stealth), and use this framing as context for a closer consideration of the increasingly frequent focus on deep-sea life as an inspiration for biomimetic design. We contend that marine biomimetics is not only a "forgotten" sector of the ocean economy, but has the potential to drive appreciation of nonmonetary values, conservation, and stewardship, making it well-aligned with notions of a sustainable blue economy. We note, however, that the highest ambitions for a blue economy are that it not only drives sustainability, but also greater equity and inclusivity, and conclude by articulating challenges and considerations for bringing marine biomimetics onto this trajectory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Blasiak
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | | | - Diva J Amon
- SpeSeas, D'Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Fredrik Moberg
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- The Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere Academy Program, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnes Pranindita
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Colette C C Wabnitz
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Henrik Österblom
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies, CP 20200 Maldonado, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Waterhouse RM, Adam-Blondon AF, Agosti D, Baldrian P, Balech B, Corre E, Davey RP, Lantz H, Pesole G, Quast C, Glöckner FO, Raes N, Sandionigi A, Santamaria M, Addink W, Vohradsky J, Nunes-Jorge A, Willassen NP, Lanfear J. Recommendations for connecting molecular sequence and biodiversity research infrastructures through ELIXIR. F1000Res 2021; 10:ELIXIR-1238. [PMID: 35999898 PMCID: PMC9360911 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73825.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Threats to global biodiversity are increasingly recognised by scientists and the public as a critical challenge. Molecular sequencing technologies offer means to catalogue, explore, and monitor the richness and biogeography of life on Earth. However, exploiting their full potential requires tools that connect biodiversity infrastructures and resources. As a research infrastructure developing services and technical solutions that help integrate and coordinate life science resources across Europe, ELIXIR is a key player. To identify opportunities, highlight priorities, and aid strategic thinking, here we survey approaches by which molecular technologies help inform understanding of biodiversity. We detail example use cases to highlight how DNA sequencing is: resolving taxonomic issues; Increasing knowledge of marine biodiversity; helping understand how agriculture and biodiversity are critically linked; and playing an essential role in ecological studies. Together with examples of national biodiversity programmes, the use cases show where progress is being made but also highlight common challenges and opportunities for future enhancement of underlying technologies and services that connect molecular and wider biodiversity domains. Based on emerging themes, we propose key recommendations to guide future funding for biodiversity research: biodiversity and bioinformatic infrastructures need to collaborate closely and strategically; taxonomic efforts need to be aligned and harmonised across domains; metadata needs to be standardised and common data management approaches widely adopted; current approaches need to be scaled up dramatically to address the anticipated explosion of molecular data; bioinformatics support for biodiversity research needs to be enabled and sustained; training for end users of biodiversity research infrastructures needs to be prioritised; and community initiatives need to be proactive and focused on enabling solutions. For sequencing data to deliver their full potential they must be connected to knowledge: together, molecular sequence data collection initiatives and biodiversity research infrastructures can advance global efforts to prevent further decline of Earth's biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Petr Baldrian
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Bachir Balech
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Erwan Corre
- CNRS/Sorbonne Université, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | | | - Henrik Lantz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/NBIS, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
- Department of Biosciences. Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Christian Quast
- Life Sciences & Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frank Oliver Glöckner
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar- and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany
| | - Niels Raes
- NLBIF - Netherlands Biodiversity Information Facility, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2300 RA, The Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Santamaria
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Wouter Addink
- DiSSCo - Distributed System of Scientific Collections, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2300 RA, The Netherlands
| | - Jiri Vohradsky
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Microbiology, Prague, 142 20, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Jerry Lanfear
- ELIXIR Hub, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Waterhouse RM, Adam-Blondon AF, Agosti D, Baldrian P, Balech B, Corre E, Davey RP, Lantz H, Pesole G, Quast C, Glöckner FO, Raes N, Sandionigi A, Santamaria M, Addink W, Vohradsky J, Nunes-Jorge A, Willassen NP, Lanfear J. Recommendations for connecting molecular sequence and biodiversity research infrastructures through ELIXIR. F1000Res 2021; 10:ELIXIR-1238. [PMID: 35999898 PMCID: PMC9360911 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73825.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Threats to global biodiversity are increasingly recognised by scientists and the public as a critical challenge. Molecular sequencing technologies offer means to catalogue, explore, and monitor the richness and biogeography of life on Earth. However, exploiting their full potential requires tools that connect biodiversity infrastructures and resources. As a research infrastructure developing services and technical solutions that help integrate and coordinate life science resources across Europe, ELIXIR is a key player. To identify opportunities, highlight priorities, and aid strategic thinking, here we survey approaches by which molecular technologies help inform understanding of biodiversity. We detail example use cases to highlight how DNA sequencing is: resolving taxonomic issues; Increasing knowledge of marine biodiversity; helping understand how agriculture and biodiversity are critically linked; and playing an essential role in ecological studies. Together with examples of national biodiversity programmes, the use cases show where progress is being made but also highlight common challenges and opportunities for future enhancement of underlying technologies and services that connect molecular and wider biodiversity domains. Based on emerging themes, we propose key recommendations to guide future funding for biodiversity research: biodiversity and bioinformatic infrastructures need to collaborate closely and strategically; taxonomic efforts need to be aligned and harmonised across domains; metadata needs to be standardised and common data management approaches widely adopted; current approaches need to be scaled up dramatically to address the anticipated explosion of molecular data; bioinformatics support for biodiversity research needs to be enabled and sustained; training for end users of biodiversity research infrastructures needs to be prioritised; and community initiatives need to be proactive and focused on enabling solutions. For sequencing data to deliver their full potential they must be connected to knowledge: together, molecular sequence data collection initiatives and biodiversity research infrastructures can advance global efforts to prevent further decline of Earth's biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Petr Baldrian
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, 142 20, Czech Republic
| | - Bachir Balech
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Erwan Corre
- CNRS/Sorbonne Université, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | | | - Henrik Lantz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/NBIS, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
- Department of Biosciences. Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Christian Quast
- Life Sciences & Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frank Oliver Glöckner
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar- and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany
| | - Niels Raes
- NLBIF - Netherlands Biodiversity Information Facility, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2300 RA, The Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Santamaria
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, CNR, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Wouter Addink
- DiSSCo - Distributed System of Scientific Collections, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2300 RA, The Netherlands
| | - Jiri Vohradsky
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Microbiology, Prague, 142 20, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Jerry Lanfear
- ELIXIR Hub, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Doza S, Bovbjerg VE, Vaughan A, Nahorniak JS, Case S, Kincl LD. Health-Related Exposures and Conditions among US Fishermen. J Agromedicine 2021; 27:284-291. [PMID: 34228604 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2021.1944416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Commercial fishing is a high-risk occupation, yet there is a lack of surveillance documenting health conditions, health behaviors, and health care coverage among US fishermen. We used publicly available data sources to identify exposures and health outcomes common among fishermen. We utilized the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-Worker Health Charts to estimate the prevalence of general exposures, psychosocial exposures, health behaviors, and health conditions from the national surveys National Health Interview Survey - Occupational Health Supplement (NHIS-OHS, 2015) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2013-2015). We compared fishing workers with both agricultural workers and all-workers. Fishermen commonly reported general exposures, psychosocial exposures, non-standard work arrangements, frequent night shifts, and shift work. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (33%) and severe low-back pain (27%) was also high. Smoking (45%) and second-hand smoke exposure (25%) were widespread, and 21% reported no health care coverage. National household surveys such as NHIS-OHS, and BRFSS can be utilized to describe the health status of fishermen. This workforce would benefit from increased access to health care and health promotion programs. More comprehensive evaluations of existing data can help to identify occupation-specific health challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solaiman Doza
- Program in Environmental and Occupational Health, Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Viktor E Bovbjerg
- Program in Epidemiology, Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Amelia Vaughan
- Program in Environmental and Occupational Health, Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Jasmine S Nahorniak
- Program in Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Samantha Case
- Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Laurel D Kincl
- Program in Environmental and Occupational Health, Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|