Study on Harmothoe sp,. bioluminescence, Kinberg, 1856 and its ecological functions

• Grant number: 19/25086-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: December 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Radiology and Photobiology
• Principal Investigator: Cassius Vinicius Stevani
• Grantee: Gabriela Verruck de Moraes
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bioluminescence can be defined as the process of emission of cold and visible light by living organisms, which is present in a wide variety of marine animals. Several of these luminescent systems have been investigated in recent decades, producing broad, basic and applied knowledge. However, many bioluminescent systems have not been researched sufficiently and are even unknown, such as the marine annelid Harmothoe sp. This annelid, which can be found in a variety of habitats along the Brazilian coast, has the capacity to produce intense green light when threatened by predators. However, despite a photoprotein having been partially purified from luminous tissues of this marine organism, little is known about their physical-chemical properties or even the chemical nature of this reaction. In addition, the substrate and the possible co-factors involved in the bioluminescence of Harmothoe sp. are unknown until now. Thus, this project aims to isolate and characterize the photoprotein of Harmothoe sp. and to study the process of emission of light in this annelid. The study also proposes to provide the bases for the analysis of possible ecological functions of the production of light in this annelid as a probable mechanism of defense against predators. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PERIN, LUIZA S.; MORAES, GABRIELA, V; GALEAZZO, GABRIELA A.; OLIVEIRA, ANDERSON G.. Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates as a Bioassay for Toxicity Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, v. 23, n. 21, p. 14-pg., 2022-11-01. (19/25086-1, 20/16142-2)

MORAES, V, GABRIELA; HANNON, MARY COLLEEN; SOARES, DOUGLAS M. M.; STEVANI, V, CASSIUS; SCHULZE, ANJA; OLIVEIRA, ANDERSON G.. Bioluminescence in Polynoid Scale Worms (Annelida: Polynoidae). FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE, v. 8, FEB 18 2021. (17/22501-2, 20/07600-7, 19/25086-1, 18/22304-5, 19/12605-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MORAES, Gabriela Verruck de. Bioluminescence, photoproteins and ecological function of the polychaete Harmothoe sp. 2024. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Oceanográfico (IO/DIDC) São Paulo.