Glowing wonders: exploring the diversity and ecological significance of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil

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.

Eoscyphella luciurceolata gen. and sp. nov. (Agaricomycetes) Shed Light on Cyphellopsidaceae with a New Lineage of Bioluminescent Fungi

During nocturnal field expeditions in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, an unexpected bioluminescent fungus with reduced form was found. Based on morphological data, the taxon was first identified as belonging to the cyphelloid genus Maireina, but in our phylogenetic analyses, Maireina was recovered and confirmed as a paraphyletic group related to genera Merismodes and Cyphellopsis. Maireina filipendula, Ma. monacha, and Ma. subsphaerospora are herein transferred to Merismodes. Based upon morphological and molecular characters, the bioluminescent cyphelloid taxon is described as the new genus Eoscyphella, characterized by a vasiform to urceolate basidiomata, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores, being pigmented, weakly to densely encrusted external hyphae, regularly bi-spored basidia, unclamped hyphae, and an absence of both conspicuous long external hairs and hymenial cystidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA and LSU rDNA support the proposal of the new genus and confirm its position in Cyphellopsidaceae. Eoscyphella luciurceolata represents a new lineage of bioluminescent basidiomycetes with reduced forms.

Roy, M. Firoz Ahmed. New distribution record of Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis (Agaricales: Mycenaceae), a bioluminescent fungus from Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Nocturnal surveys conducted in Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh (India) in April 2022 led to an opportunistic encounter with bioluminescent fungi. Based on morphological characteristics and photographic comparisons from published literature, we have identified the species to be Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis, a glowing mushroom that has previously been described from two different districts of Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills and West Jayantia Hills). The glowing stipe surface without the glowing pileus distinguishes this species from other bioluminescent fungal species found in India. Our observation of Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis marks a new distribution record from the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Amazonian luminescent Mycena cristinae sp. nov. from Brazil

A new luminescent lignicolous fungal species, Mycena cristinae sp. nov., is proposed from the Central Amazon forest. This is unique and supported by morphological evaluation along with LSU- and ITS-based phylogenetic analyses. The basidiomata have mostly fuscous olivaceous brown pileus, adnate to subdecurrent and distant lamellae, and stipe with slightly bulbous base (basal mycelium absent). It also has inamyloid and/or weakly amyloid basidiospores, ramose cheilocystidia and a pileipellis composed of an aerated tangle of slender, diverticulate hyphae forming a coralloid pellicle overlaying the hypodermium. The luminescence is evident in the basidiomata (especially the stipe) and in the mycelium on the substrate. The LSU phylogenetic trees reveal that M. cristinae is sister to M. coralliformis within the Mycenaceae clade. In the ITS trees, it forms a unique lineage grouping with undetermined Mycena taxa. Morphological data support M. cristinae as a different species compared to previously described taxa.

Physical principles of morphogenesis in mushrooms

Mushroom species display distinctive morphogenetic features. For example, Amanita muscaria and Mycena chlorophos grow in a similar manner, their caps expanding outward quickly and then turning upward. However, only the latter finally develops a central depression in the cap. Here we use a mathematical approach unraveling the interplay between physics and biology driving the emergence of these two different morphologies. The proposed growth elastic model is solved analytically, mapping their shape evolution over time. Even if biological processes in both species make their caps grow turning upward, different physical factors result in different shapes. In fact, we show how for the relatively tall and big A. muscaria a central depression may be incompatible with the physical need to maintain stability against the wind. In contrast, the relatively short and small M. chlorophos is elastically stable with respect to environmental perturbations; thus, it may physically select a central depression to maximize the cap volume and the spore exposure. This work gives fully explicit analytic solutions highlighting the effect of the growth parameters on the morphological evolution, providing useful insights for novel bio-inspired material design.

Terrestrial and marine bioluminescent organisms from the Indian subcontinent: a review

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.

Notes, outline and divergence times of Basidiomycota

The Basidiomycota constitutes a major phylum of the kingdom Fungi and is second in species numbers to the Ascomycota. The present work provides an overview of all validly published, currently used basidiomycete genera to date in a single document. An outline of all genera of Basidiomycota is provided, which includes 1928 currently used genera names, with 1263 synonyms, which are distributed in 241 families, 68 orders, 18 classes and four subphyla. We provide brief notes for each accepted genus including information on classification, number of accepted species, type species, life mode, habitat, distribution, and sequence information. Furthermore, three phylogenetic analyses with combined LSU, SSU, 5.8s, rpb1, rpb2, and ef1 datasets for the subphyla Agaricomycotina, Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are conducted, respectively. Divergence time estimates are provided to the family level with 632 species from 62 orders, 168 families and 605 genera. Our study indicates that the divergence times of the subphyla in Basidiomycota are 406–430 Mya, classes are 211–383 Mya, and orders are 99–323 Mya, which are largely consistent with previous studies. In this study, all phylogenetically supported families were dated, with the families of Agaricomycotina diverging from 27–178 Mya, Pucciniomycotina from 85–222 Mya, and Ustilaginomycotina from 79–177 Mya. Divergence times as additional criterion in ranking provide additional evidence to resolve taxonomic problems in the Basidiomycota taxonomic system, and also provide a better understanding of their phylogeny and evolution.

New species and records of bioluminescent Mycena from Mexico

Seven species of bioluminescent fungi are recorded from the cloud forests in Mexico. Six represent new species belonging to the genus Mycena, whereas Mycena globulispora is a new distribution record for the country. Descriptions, illustrations, photographs, and an identification key to bioluminescent fungi species from Mexico are provided. Sequences of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) region were generated for barcoding purposes and comparisons with similar species.

Bioluminescence in the ghost fungus Omphalotus nidiformis does not attract potential spore dispersing insects

Bioluminescence has been known from fungi since ancient times, but little work has been done to establish its potential role. There is evidence that some bioluminescent fungi differentially attract potential spore-dispersing insects, and we aimed to establish if this was the case for the ghost fungus, Omphalotus nidiformis (Agaricales,Marasmiaceae), a widespread Australian temperate zone species. We examined three corroborative lines of evidence: circadian rhythmicity of bioluminescence; field-recorded insect abundance at the time of basidiome production; and attractiveness of glowing fungi to flying insects. Basidiomes glowed continuously day and night, and were present in winter (June-July) when insect abundance was low. To assess attractiveness, we deployed sticky-traps in open woodland in the absence of light pollution, in Treatment (baited with fresh bioluminescent O. nidiformis) and Control pairs, for 480 trap-hours on moonless nights. There was no statistical difference in mean insect abundance between Treatment and Control traps (mean 0.33 and 0.54 individuals per trap night, respectively). To interpret these results, we provide a brief review of competing hypotheses for fungal bioluminescence, and conclude that for some fungi, bioluminescence may be an incidental by-product of metabolism rather than conferring any selective advantage. It is possible that the role of bioluminescence differs among evolutionary lineages of fungi and/or with attributes of their growth environments that could affect spore dispersal, such as wind and insect abundance.

Bioluminescence patterns among North American Armillaria species

Bioluminescence is widely recognized among white-spored species of Basidiomycota. Most reports of fungal bioluminescence are based upon visual light perception. When instruments such as photomultipliers have been used to measure fungal luminescence, more taxa have been discovered to produce light, albeit at a range of magnitudes. The present studies were undertaken to determine the prevalence of bioluminescence among North American Armillaria species. Consistent, constitutive bioluminescence was detected for the first time for mycelia of Armillaria calvescens, Armillaria cepistipes, Armillaria gemina, Armillaria nabsnona, and Armillaria sinapina and confirmed for mycelia of Armillaria gallica, Armillaria mellea, Armillaria ostoyae, and Armillaria tabescens. Emission spectra of mycelia representing all species had maximum intensity in the range 515-525 nm confirming that emitted light was the result of bioluminescence rather than chemiluminescence. Time series analysis of 1000 consecutive luminescence measurements revealed a highly significant departure from random variation. Mycelial luminescence of eight species exhibited significant, stable shifts in magnitude in response to a series of mechanical disturbance treatments, providing one mechanism for generating observed luminescence variation.

A vegetação do Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), São Paulo, Brasil

O Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR) faz parte do contínuo ecológico de Paranapiacaba, um dos trechos mais bem conservados de Floresta Atlântica no estado de São Paulo. Entretanto, há pouquíssimos estudos sobre a composição florística e a estrutura da vegetação dessa área, que apresenta peculiaridades como a localização sobre regiões cársticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi mapear a vegetação e caracterizar a flora das diferentes fitofisionomias existentes no PETAR, a fim de fornecer subsídios para a elaboração do seu plano de manejo. Para isso, fez-se o mapeamento geral e detalhado do Parque por meio de interpretação de fotografias aéreas, além de levantamentos de campo e de dados secundários para a caracterização da flora. No PETAR, predomina a Floresta Ombrófila Densa (65%), com a maior parte ocorrendo nas cotas altitudinais correspondentes à Montana (78,2%) e Submontana (19,4%), sendo encontradas também pequenas áreas de Floresta Ombrófila Densa Alto-montana (0,1%) e Aluvial (1,7%). Aproximadamente 13% são ocupados por Floresta Ombrófila Aberta com bambus, onde a vegetação arbórea de porte alto dá lugar a grandes manchas de bambu e pouca regeneração natural. Trechos de vegetação secundária, que sofreram corte raso e encontram-se em regeneração, somam cerca de 17%. No detalhamento, foram mapeados 12 tipos vegetacionais, subdivididos de acordo com o porte e a densidade da cobertura vegetal. Os trechos mais conservados, com vegetação de porte arbóreo alto e estrutura de dossel fechado, compreendem aproximadamente 37% da área vegetada do Parque. A união dos registros de campo com os dados secundários resultou em uma lista de 680 espécies de plantas nativas, sendo que o levantamento de campo acrescentou 162 novos registros para o Parque. Quarenta espécies encontram-se em alguma das categorias de ameaça das listas oficiais de espécies ameaçadas de extinção no estado de São Paulo, no Brasil e no mundo. Foram identificadas 44 espécies exóticas, das quais 14 foram consideradas invasoras.