Marine chemical ecology: chemical signals and cues structure marine populations, communities, and ecosystems.
TL;DR: How chemical cues regulate critical aspects of the behavior of marine organisms from bacteria to phytoplankton to benthic invertebrates and water column fishes is reviewed.
Abstract: Chemical cues constitute much of the language of life in the sea. Our understanding of biotic interactions and their effects on marine ecosystems will advance more rapidly if this language is studied and understood. Here, I review how chemical cues regulate critical aspects of the behavior of marine organisms from bacteria to phytoplankton to benthic invertebrates and water column fishes. These chemically mediated interactions strongly affect population structure, community organization, and ecosystem function. Chemical cues determine foraging strategies, feeding choices, commensal associations, selection of mates and habitats, competitive interactions, and transfer of energy and nutrients within and among ecosystems. In numerous cases, the indirect effects of chemical signals on behavior have as much or more effect on community structure and function as the direct effects of consumers and pathogens. Chemical cues are critical for understanding marine systems, but their omnipresence and impact are inadequ...
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01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study demonstrates the utility of volatilomics to differentiate between four different algal genera using a principal component analysis (PCA) and discusses its application to inform industrial mariculture procedures.
Abstract: All organisms and ecosystems emit and consume volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Traditionally, these have been qualitatively and quantitatively described in isolation without full consideration of the ‘signatures’ produced by the totality of all volatiles released. Here, we suggest that volatilomics, a research area applied to medical diagnostics, soil biology and pest control, can advance aquatic ecological research by providing a relatively fast diagnostic tool to investigate, for example, taxonomic and likely also functional diversity in aquatic systems—providing a novel technique for the biomonitoring of aquatic environments. Our case study demonstrates the utility of volatilomics to differentiate between four different algal genera using a principal component analysis. We highlight the utility of volatilomics to the monitoring of environmental processes and discuss its application to inform industrial mariculture procedures.
11 citations
01 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the industrial relevance of several compounds derived from the marine environment was explored, and more emphasis was placed on the different types of methods that could be utilized for evaluating different types OF marine bioactive peptides such as organic synthesis, chemical hydrolysis, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzyme hydrolyse, respectively.
Abstract: Beneficial marine microorganisms are not only of significance for the production of useful variety of substances, but also perform unique roles in element cycles with animals and plants. Beneficial marine microorganisms have been recognized as a repository of useful beneficial biomolecules with several industrial applications. Moreover, there are several challenges that mitigate against the successful determination of these molecules of special interest as well as the detection of these beneficial microorganisms from the microbial marine environments, biological and biodiversity. The application of molecular biology techniques are valuable methods for evaluating the biodiversity and biological characteristics of marine bacterial communities and its biomolecules. These techniques are generally adopted for two different types of bacterial species such as the culturable and nonculturable bacteria. Therefore, this chapter intends to explore the industrial relevance of several compounds derived from marine environment. These molecules and bioactive peptides have been identified to perform diverse biological functions such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, antihypertensive activity, anticancer activity, and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. Moreover, more emphasis was placed on the different types of methods that could be utilized for evaluating different types of marine bioactive peptides such as organic synthesis, chemical hydrolysis, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzyme hydrolysis, respectively. Also, the modes of action of these biologically active compounds were highlighted.
11 citations
01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: This paper provides the rationale for marine drug discovery and development, addresses a number of bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates, elaborates about their mechanisms of action, focuses on their potential clinical usefulness and applicability, and reflects on the prospects for new discovered and development activities based on the exploration of these compounds.
Abstract: Man has probably used since his existence plants and plant-derived compounds for his health care and well-being. This has led to the development of life-saving drugs for treating a multitude of conditions including infectious, cardiovascular, malignant, and diabetic disease. More recently, the amazing biodiversity represented by the world’s oceans have been realized to represent an equally and exceptionally rich source of valuable bioactive compounds. The majority of marine organisms have an evolutionary history that dates back to the Cambrian, some 500 million years ago. Since then, these organisms have dealt successfully with competitors and predators by developing a unique arsenal of highly effective secondary metabolites for their defense, reproduction, and communication. Many of these chemicals affect metabolic pathways that are common to humans and are involved in critical physiological functions. Thus, these substances often possess meaningful pharmacological properties. For these reasons, marine organisms may represent precious resources for developing drug candidates, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and molecular probes for improving our well-being. This paper addresses the significance of bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates to the development of new drugs. Introduction Historically, terrestrial plants and microorganisms have been important natural sources for developing new medicines [1,2]. In fact, approximately 75% of the twenty most commonly used hospital drugs, and approximately 20% of the hundred most prescribed drugs are derived from natural sources [3]. A few examples are antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin derived from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (Trichocomaceae), and aminoglycosides such as gentamicin and tobramycin from Streptomyces and Micromonospora bacteria, respectively; the narcotic morphine and the antitussive codeine derived from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum L. (Papaveraceae); the cardiotonic digoxin from the foxglove Digitalis purpurea L. (Plantaginaceae); the antimalarial quinine derived from the bark of Cinchona spp (Rubiaceae); and the skeletal muscle relaxant tubocurarine from the stem of Chondrodendron tomentosum Ruiz & Pavón (Menispermaceae) that is used for general anesthesia [1,2]. These and many other examples underscore the importance of plant-derived compounds particularly those from tropical rain forests to new drug discovery and development activities [1,2]. However, the world's oceans may represent an equally important resource for discovering and developing new therapeutics. This statement is based on two important pieces of evidence. Firstly, the oceans cover more than 70% of the earth's surface and contain more than 200,000 species of invertebrates and algae as well as an unknown number of microorganisms, only a relative handful of which has been studied [4]. Secondly, the relatively small number of marine organisms evaluated to date mostly algae and invertebrates has already yielded thousands of chemical compounds that have found medical applications ranging from algae-based skin care products [5,6] to established antineoplastic agents such as cytarabine [7]. This paper provides the rationale for marine drug discovery and development, addresses a number of bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates, elaborates about their mechanisms of action, focuses on their potential clinical usefulness and applicability, and reflects on the prospects for new discovery and development activities based on the exploration of these compounds. The compounds have been grouped on the basis of the taxonomic groups ([sub]phyla) in which they have been encountered (Table 1). Background Why do marine species including invertebrates produce such an abundance of compounds with unusual chemical structures and unique mechanisms of action upon which molecular modeling and chemical synthesis of new drugs can be based? An important part of the answer to this question lies in the fact that many of them are sessile organisms that live in densely populated habitats where competition for space and resources is intense. Examples are reef-building corals, sponges, sea fans, bryozoans, and tunicates. Indeed, a superficial examination of a coral reef habitat reveals an astonishing density of such plants and animals. All of them compete with each other for food and space, must avoid attack by predators and being fouled or overgrown, need to reproduce successfully, and must ward off microbial infections. For these purposes, they have developed an exceptional arsenal of secondary metabolites for their defense, reproduction, and communication [8,9]. Some of these chemicals are toxic or noxious, conferring protection against predators; others suppress the growth and reproduction of rivals, thus preventing their overgrowth and crowding out and allowing Correspondence to: Prof. Dr. Dennis R.A. Mans, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname. Kernkampweg 5, Paramaribo, Suriname, Tel/Fax: 597 441071; E-mail: dennis_mans@yahoo.com; dennis.mans@uvs.edu
11 citations
Cites background from "Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..."
...For these purposes, they have developed an exceptional arsenal of secondary metabolites for their defense, reproduction, and communication [8,9]....
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...As many of these chemicals also interact with enzymes and metabolic pathways involved in human diseases, they often represent valuable lead compounds for the development of new drugs for treating human diseases [8,9]....
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...1000136 Volume 2(3): 170-179 them to maintain space; and still others serve as natural defenses against microbial infections [8,9]....
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TL;DR: The interplay of microhabitat differentiation and temporal dynamics among the cryptic species of L. marina implies that there is a complex interaction between biotic components and abiotic factors which contributes to their coexistence in the field.
Abstract: Coexistence of highly similar species is at odds with ecological theory of competition; coexistence, then, requires stabilizing mechanisms such as differences in ecological niche. In the bacterivore nematode Litoditis marina species complex, which occurs associated with macro-algae, four cryptic lineages (Pm I-IV) co-occur in the field along the south-western coast and estuaries of The Netherlands. Here we investigate the temporal and/or spatial niche differentiation in their natural environment using a qPCR-based detection and relative quantification method. We collected different algal species (i.e. two Fucus species and Ulva sp.) and separated algal structures (i.e. receptacula, thalli, non-fertile tips and bladders) at different sampling months and times (i.e. twice per sampling month), to examine differences in microhabitat use between coexisting L. marina species. Results demonstrate that the cryptic species composition varied among different algal species and algal structures, which was also subject to temporal shifts. Pm I dominated on Fucus spp., Pm II showed dominance on Ulva sp., while Pm III overall had the lowest frequencies. Microhabitat partitioning was most pronounced between the two cryptic species which had similar microbiomes (Pm I and Pm II), and less so between the two species which had significantly different microbiomes (Pm I and Pm III), suggesting that species which share the same microhabitats may avoid competition through resource partitioning. The interplay of microhabitat differentiation and temporal dynamics among the cryptic species of L. marina implies that there is a complex interaction between biotic components and abiotic factors which contributes to their coexistence in the field.
10 citations
TL;DR: Findings are coherent with results of previous laboratory studies and indicate that H. sanguineus megalopae can sense water-soluble metamorphic cues produced by conspecific adults at distances up to a few meters from the source.
10 citations
References
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Journal Article•
839 citations
"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper
...…to chemical cues from specific hosts, or corals that settle in response to chemical traits of specific crustose coralline algae, or of soft-substrate animals that recruit to or avoid sands treated with specific chemical cues or extracts (e.g., Pawlik 1992, Krug & Manzi 1999, Hadfield & Paul 2001)....
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...In aquatic systems, chemical cues determine feeding, habitat, and mating choices (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Pawlik 1992; Breithaupt & Thiel 2008)....
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...…stimulating feeding once prey have been contacted; compounds responsible for attraction from a distance have rarely been investigated for adult specialist consumers [compounds that cue larval settlement have been investigated; see Pawlik (1992), Krug & Manzi (1999), and Hadfield & Paul (2001)]....
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TL;DR: It is concluded that the best way to protect salt marshes and the services they provide is through the integrated approach of ecosystem-based management.
Abstract: Salt marshes are among the most abundant, fertile, and accessible coastal habitats on earth, and they provide more ecosystem services to coastal populations than any other environment. Since the Middle Ages, humans have manipulated salt marshes at a grand scale, altering species composition, distribution, and ecosystem function. Here, we review historic and contemporary human activities in marsh ecosystems—exploitation of plant products; conversion to farmland, salt works, and urban land; introduction of non-native species; alteration of coastal hydrology; and metal and nutrient pollution. Unexpectedly, diverse types of impacts can have a similar consequence, turning salt marsh food webs upside down, dramatically increasing top down control. Of the various impacts, invasive species, runaway consumer effects, and sea level rise represent the greatest threats to salt marsh ecosystems. We conclude that the best way to protect salt marshes and the services they provide is through the integrated approach of ecosystem-based management.
770 citations
TL;DR: Although numerous seaweed characteristics can deter some herbivores, the effects of morphology and chemistry have been studied most thoroughly and these types of seaweeds may be considered herbivore tolerant.
Abstract: Herbivory has a profound effect on seaweeds in both temperate and tropical communities (11, 17, 21, 33, 43, 47, 80, 124). This is especially true on coral reefs where 60-97% (11, 42) of the total seaweed production may be removed by herbivores. To persist in marine communities, seaweeds must escape, deter, or tolerate herbivory. The ecological and evolutionary importance of spatial and temporal escapes has been extensively studied for seaweeds and adequately reviewed in the recent literature (33, 45, 47, 71, 80). The ability of seaweeds to tolerate herbivory has received limited attention. On coral reefs, rapidly growing filamentous algae are heavily grazed, but the algae quickly replace these losses and appear to be dependent upon herbivores to prevent their habitat from being overgrown by larger but less herbivoretolerant species (11, 71). Additionally, several seaweeds have spores or vegetative portions that can withstand gut passage; in some cases this significantly increases the growth rates of the newly settled spores (6, 122). These types of seaweeds may be considered herbivore tolerant. Although numerous seaweed characteristics can deter some herbivores, the effects of morphology and chemistry have been studied most thoroughly. The
722 citations
"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper
...In aquatic systems, chemical cues determine feeding, habitat, and mating choices (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Pawlik 1992; Breithaupt & Thiel 2008)....
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...…on the plants they consume and that are especially susceptible to predation suggest that feeding preferences are commonly driven by the need to colonize hosts that provide escapes from consumers rather than by the direct food value of those hosts (see also Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Hay 1992, 1996)....
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...In the past 20 years, the review of selected aspects of marine chemical ecology has become a growth industry (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Paul 1992; Hay 1996; McClintock & Baker 2001; Paul et al. 2007; Pohnert et al. 2007; Amsler 2008), with numerous reviews focusing on specific groups…...
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TL;DR: The contention that furanones, at the concentrations produced by the alga, can control bacterial colonization of surfaces by specifically interfering with AHL-mediated gene expression at the level of the LuxR protein is supported.
Abstract: Summary: Acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated gene expression controls phenotypes involved in colonization, often specifically of higher organisms, in both marine and terrestrial environments. The marine red alga Delisea pulchra produces halogenated furanones which resemble AHLs structurally and show inhibitory activity at ecologically realistic concentrations in AHL bioassays. Evidence is presented that halogenated furanones displace tritiated OHHL [N-3- (oxohexanoy1)-L-homoserine lactone] from Escherichia coli cells overproducing LuxR with potencies corresponding to their respective inhibitory activities in an AHL-regulated bioluminescence assay, indicating that this is the mechanism by which furanones inhibit AHL-dependent phenotypes. Alternative mechanisms for this phenomenon are also addressed. General metabolic disruption was assessed with two-dimensional PAGE, revealing limited non- AHL-related effects. A direct chemical interaction between the algal compounds and AHLs, as monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy, was shown not to occur in vitro. These results support the contention that furanones, at the concentrations produced by the alga, can control bacterial colonization of surfaces by specifically interfering with AHL-mediated gene expression at the level of the LuxR protein.
612 citations
"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper
...This inhibition occurs because halogenated furanones interfere with the bacteria’s signal-based regulatory systems that control surface motility, exoenzyme production, and biofilm formation/stability (Manefield et al. 1999, 2002; Rasmussen et al. 2000; McDougald et al. 2001)....
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TL;DR: This review concludes that relatively unstudied, ontogenetic shifts in concentrations and types of defenses occur in marine species, and patterns of larval chemical defenses appear to provide insights into the evolution of complex life cycles and of differing modes of development among marine invertebrates.
607 citations
"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper
...…on the plants they consume and that are especially susceptible to predation suggest that feeding preferences are commonly driven by the need to colonize hosts that provide escapes from consumers rather than by the direct food value of those hosts (see also Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Hay 1992, 1996)....
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...In other instances the larvae are chemically defended, but the adults are not and appear instead to rely more on physical/structural defenses (Lindquist & Hay 1996)....
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...…past 20 years, the review of selected aspects of marine chemical ecology has become a growth industry (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Paul 1992; Hay 1996; McClintock & Baker 2001; Paul et al. 2007; Pohnert et al. 2007; Amsler 2008), with numerous reviews focusing on specific groups (seaweeds…...
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...Once larvae or embryos are released from brooding adults, they can be at considerable risk of predation in the plankton, but even more so as they recruit to the benthos where both fish and invertebrate predators are commonly concentrated (Lindquist & Hay 1996)....
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...…of resistance to host chemical defenses, selective consumption of those hosts, being cued to feed by the specific host chemicals that deter other consumers, and sequestration by the specialist of its host’s chemical defenses, thus becoming immune to many of its own enemies (Hay 1992, 1996)....
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