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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Chaetopterus variopedatusBioluminescence: A Review of Light Emission within a Species Complex

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Author(s):
Mirza, Jeremy D. [1, 2] ; Migotto, Alvaro E. [3] ; Yampolsky, Ilia V. [4, 5] ; de Moraes, Gabriela V. [1] ; Tsarkova, Aleksandra S. [4] ; Oliveira, Anderson G. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, Dept Oceanog Fis Quim & Geol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, Diadema - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Biol Marinha, Sao Sebastiao - Brazil
[4] Russian Acad Sci, Shemyakin Ovchinnikov Inst Bioorgan Chem, Moscow - Russia
[5] Pirogov Russian Natl Res Med Univ, Moscow - Russia
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Review article
Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology; v. 96, n. 4, p. 768-778, JUL 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Chaetopterus variopedatushas been studied for over a century in terms of its physiology, ecology and life history. One focus of research is on its intrinsic bioluminescent emissions, which can be observed as a blue light emitted from the extremities of individual body segments, or as a secreted mucus. Even though research shows thatC. variopedatusis a species complex miscategorized as a single species, all of the variants of this polychaete produce light, which has been investigated in terms of both physiology and biochemistry. Despite decades of study, there are still many questions about the luminescence reaction, and, as of yet, no clear function for light emission exists. This review summarizes the current knowledge onC. variopedatusluminescence in addition to briefly describing its morphology, life cycle and ecology. Possible functions for luminescence were discussed using observations of specimens found in Brazil, along with a comparison of previous studies of other luminescent organisms. Further study will provide a better understanding of how and whyC. variopedatusproduces luminescence, and purifying the protein and luciferin involved could lead to new bioanalytical applications, as this reaction is unique among all known luminescent systems. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/26279-2 - Studies of Chaetopterus variopedatus bioluminescence and new marine luminous systems.
Grantee:Anderson Garbuglio de Oliveira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 14/18541-0 - Chaetopterus variopedatus bioluminescence: luciferase purification and ecological roles
Grantee:Jeremy Darius Mirza
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
FAPESP's process: 18/17857-5 - Maintenance of Chaetopterus sp: influence of biotic and abiotic factors on lifespan and bioluminescence
Grantee:Gabriela Verruck de Moraes
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 17/22501-2 - Electronic chemiexcitation in biological systems: bioluminescence and photochemistry in the dark
Grantee:Etelvino José Henriques Bechara
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants