First Record of Bioluminescence in a Sipunculan Worm

Author(s)

Oliveira, Anderson G. ; Amaral, Danilo T. ; Hannon, Mary Colleen ; Schulze, Anja

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE; v. 8, p. 9-pg., 2021-10-20.

Abstract

During a search for bioluminescent marine annelids around the island of Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, we discovered bioluminescence in the sipunculan worm Nephasoma pellucidum. The identification of N. pellucidum was verified by DNA barcoding of similar to 650 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene, using sequences of the same species from previous studies as references. Our study constitutes the first record of a bioluminescent sipunculan species. Green luminescence was detected in four of the five individuals of N. pellucidum collected from coral rubble from a shallow reef flat and one deeper (14 m) site. To test for bioluminescent activity, all collected annelids (including sipunculans) were sorted into morphotypes and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. After several hours of dark adaptation, they were mechanically stimulated, and luminescent reactions were noted and recorded by photography and/or video whenever possible. Of a total of nine examined sipunculan species, N. pellucidum was the only one that showed bioluminescent activity. The underlying biochemical processes for the bioluminescence are so far unknown, but transcriptome data indicate the presence of proteins with similarities to Renilla-type luciferases. We did not find similarities to any known photoproteins. Our findings broaden the known diversity of bioluminescent annelid taxa and support the notion that bioluminescence arose multiple times in annelids. The bioluminescent properties of N. pellucidum add a new reason to pursue this species as a model species, as has been previously proposed. (AU)

• 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
• FAPESP's process: 20/07600-7 - New luciferases and photoproteins in marine annelids (Annelida) and bioluminescent systems dependent on coelenterazine
• Grantee: Anderson Garbuglio de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22304-5 - Bioluminescence in marine worms (Annelida): molecular pathways and evolution
• Grantee: Anderson Garbuglio de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants