Biochemical metabolomic profiling of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster): New insight into its biology for improved pest management

Mendoza-Porras, Omar; Nguyen, Thao Van; Shah, Rohan S.; Thomas-Hall, Peter; Bastin, Lee; Deaker, Dione J.; Motti, Cherie A.; Byrne, Maria; Beale, David J.

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160525

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 112 publications

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“…This study, together with the characterization of the biochemistry of adult COTS [ 31 , 82 ], contributes to knowledge to develop strategies as to how semiochemicals may be used as a management tool for COTS. For instance, chemical agents isolated from adults might be used to reduce the number of juveniles making the transition to becoming coral predators.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star ( Acanthaster sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics

Webb,

Clements,

Selvakumaraswamy

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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Intraspecific and habitat-mediated responses to chemical cues play key roles in structuring populations of marine species. We investigated the behaviour of herbivorous-stage juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars (COTS; Acanthaster sp.) in flow-through choice chambers to determine if chemical cues from their habitat influence movement and their transition to become coral predators. Juveniles at the diet transition stage were exposed to cues from their nursery habitat (coral rubble-crustose coralline algae (CCA)), live coral and adult COTS to determine if waterborne cues influence movement. In response to CCA and coral as sole cues, juveniles moved towards the cue source and when these cues were presented in combination, they exhibited a preference for coral. Juveniles moved away from adult COTS cues. Exposure to food cues (coral, CCA) in the presence of adult cues resulted in variable responses. Our results suggest a feedback mechanism whereby juvenile behaviour is mediated by adult chemical cues. Cues from the adult population may deter juveniles from the switch to corallivory. As outbreaks wane, juveniles released from competition may serve as a proximate source of outbreaks, supporting the juveniles-in-waiting hypothesis. The accumulation of juveniles within the reef infrastructure is an underappreciated potential source of COTS outbreaks that devastate coral reefs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star ( Acanthaster sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics

Webb,

Clements,

Selvakumaraswamy

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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A mass spectrometry database for the identification of marine animal saponin-related metabolites

Smith,

Cummins,

Motti

et al. 2024

Anal Bioanal Chem

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Saponins encompass a diverse group of naturally occurring glycoside molecules exhibiting amphiphilic properties and a broad range of biological activities. There is a resurgence of interest in those saponins produced by marine organisms based on their potential therapeutic benefits, application in food products and most recently their potential involvement in intra- and inter-species chemical communication. The continual advancements in liquid chromatography techniques and mass spectrometry technologies have allowed for greater detection rates, as well as improved isolation and elucidation of saponins. These factors have significantly contributed to the expansion in the catalogue of known saponin structures isolated from marine invertebrates; however, there currently exists no specific chemical library resource to accelerate the discovery process. In this study, a Marine Animal Saponin Database (MASD v1.0) has been developed to serve as a valuable chemical repository for known marine saponin-related data, including chemical formula, molecular mass and biological origin of nearly 1000 secondary metabolites associated with saponins produced by marine invertebrates. We demonstrate its application with an exemplar asteroid extract (Acanthaster cf. solaris, also known as crown-of-thorns starfish; COTS), identifying saponins from the MASD v1.0 that have been previously reported from COTS, as well as 21 saponins isolated from multiple other related asteroid species. This database will help facilitate future research endeavours, aiding researchers in exploring the vast chemical diversity of saponins produced by marine organisms and providing ecological insights, and the realisation of their potential for various applications, including as pharmaceuticals. Graphical Abstract

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Agronomical and biotechnological strategies for modulating biosynthesis of steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Mahajan,

Naveen,

Pal

2024

Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

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Biochemical metabolomic profiling of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster): New insight into its biology for improved pest management

Cited by 6 publications

References 112 publications

Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star ( Acanthaster sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics

Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star ( Acanthaster sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics

A mass spectrometry database for the identification of marine animal saponin-related metabolites

Agronomical and biotechnological strategies for modulating biosynthesis of steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

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