Bioluminescence in scale-worm photosomes: the photoprotein polynoidin is specific for the detection of superoxide radicals

Abstract

Photosomes are the characteristic organelles of the luminous epithelium in the elytral appendages of polynoïd annelids. They are paracrystals of endoplasmic reticulum and emit a flash of bioluminescence in response to stimulation. The series of flashes in response to repetitive stimulation begins with a period of facilitation because the number of reacting photosomes increases in each photogenic cell. Reacting photosomes are coupled to the plasma membrane by dyad junctions which are established under stimulation and dedifferentiate in the resting system. The calcium influx of an action potential propagated through the conducting elytral epithelium triggers the luminous reaction. This reaction is based on a membrane photoprotein, polynoidin, which is specifically triggered by superoxide radicals. These oxy radicals result from the oxydation of riboflavin, which is present in a compartment of the photosomes. Polynoidin proved to be an interesting probe in the detection of superoxide radicals produced by activated white blood cells. Its potential applications are discussed.

Evidence that ferritin is associated with light production in the mucus of the marine worm Chaetopterus

“…9b; luminescence b2). Such contribution of the Fenton reaction as a source of energy for the bioluminescence reaction is similar to what was proposed for other organisms257, occurring as long glows as for bacteria5859, or rapid flashes in marine scale-worms6061. In our case, the oxidation-reduction processes of the Fenton reaction would benefit from being coupled with the oxidation-reduction processes of the flavins that make ferrous iron available in the worm mucus.…”

Bioluminescence

“…A kind of marine annelid called a scale worm is covered on the dorsal side by scales which fi rst emit fl ashes when the animal is attacked and then are shed, still glowing (Herrera et al 1974 ). Its light-emitting protein may have use for detection of superoxide anions (Bassot and Nicolas 1995 ).…”

Direct template matching reveals a host subcellular membrane gyroid cubic structure that is associated with SARS virus

“…A specialized cubic membrane structure in which ROS generation is central to function is the photosome. 11 This is a specialized region of ER in a marine annelid that is associated with intense ROS generation and chemiluminescence. 11 It has been proposed that the transition of biological membranes to cubic morphologies may be a general response to oxidative stress.…”

“…11 This is a specialized region of ER in a marine annelid that is associated with intense ROS generation and chemiluminescence. 11 It has been proposed that the transition of biological membranes to cubic morphologies may be a general response to oxidative stress. 12 In summary, we have shown that SARS virus is associated with host membrane changes of a gyroid type of cubic membrane.…”