Evolution and biological function of fluorescent filters in the photophores of dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiiformes)

• Grant number: 22/01463-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Roberto Souto de Melo
• Grantee: José Rui Lima Paitio
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/12909-4 - Diversity and evolution of deep-sea fishes: DEEP-OCEAN, AP.BTA.JP

Abstract

Deep-sea is the main bioluminescence hotspot in the planet which has a primary role in communication in this habitat. Stomiiformes represent a key in the bioluminescence ecology of the deep-sea, as one of the most abundant groups and the ancientest order of luminous fishes. The dragonfishes, as they are commonly known, have different types of photophores for distinct intra- and inter-specific ecological roles. Light produced in these organs require spectral modulation for specific light signals, achieved by pigmented filters. These pigments vary between species and photophore types, some emit a strong red fluorescence under UVA. Few reports on these pigments can be found and only for limited species and photophore types, and none of these pigments were precisely identified neither its role in light emission. The main goal of this project is to study the evolution of these pigments in Stomiiformes photophores. Spectrometry and biochemistry of pigments, and molecular analyses of these (transcriptomes) and species (DNA barcoding), it aims the identification of the pigments, its biological mechanism of light modulation in the photophores and its phylogenetic distribution. The work will be developed with the collaboration with national and international researchers, and graduation and master students. This project will contribute to evolution and ecology of bioluminescence in of the most important groups of marine animals, have an essential role on the knowledge of the ecological dynamics of the deep-sea and starting a new line of work in Brazilian research.