Functional differentiation in bryozoan colonies: a proteomic analysis

Abstract

Bryozoans are typical modular organisms. They consist of repetitive structural units, the zooids. Bryozoan colonies grow by zooidal budding, with the distribution pattern of the budding loci underlying the diversity of colony forms. Budding is usually restricted to the colony periphery, where a "growing edge" or local terminal growth zones are formed. Non budding parts of the colony can be functionally subdivided, too. In many species colonies consist of regular, often repetitive zones of feeding and non feeding modules, associated with a periodical degeneration and regeneration of the polypide retractile tentacle crown with a gut and the accompanying musculature. The mechanisms of functional differentiation in bryozoan colonies are unknown. Presumably, budding and/or polypide recycling are induced or inhibited by certain determi nants of functional specialization in different colony parts. An effective tool of their identification is the com parison of proteomes in functionally different zones. Here we report the results of proteomic analysis of three bryozoan species from the White Sea with a different colony form: Flustrellidra hispida, Terminoflus tra membranaceotruncata and Securiflustra securifrons. Using differential two dimensional electrophoresis (2D DIGE), we compared proteomes of the growing edge, the zone with polypides and the zone without polypides. We assessed the general level of differences between the zones and revealed proteins whose relative abundance changed gradually along the proximal distal colony axis. These proteins might be involved in the determination of the functional differentiation of the colony.

Securamine Derivatives from the Arctic Bryozoan Securiflustra securifrons

“…Animals belonging to the phylum bryozoa are benthic filter feeders living in intricate colonies where zooids are interconnected and cooperate for feeding, breeding, and defense. − For the latter they largely rely on a well-developed arsenal of secondary metabolites, which is reflected in the persistent yield of compounds with complex structures isolated from bryozoans . Their value as lead structures for pharmaceutical development is indicated by their notable biological activities .…”

Ponasterone A and F, Ecdysteroids from the Arctic Bryozoan Alcyonidium gelatinosum

“…Bryozoans are sessile, marine invertebrates found in benthic ecosystems throughout the world [ 18 ]. Bryozoans play relevant roles in nutrient cycles, representing a food source for many marine species, including nudibranchs, and molting invertebrates like arthropods and crustaceans [ 19 ].…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Securamines From the Bryozoan Securiflustra securifrons

“…5 They generally form sessile colonies of genetically identical, polymorphic units termed zooids. 6,7 These colonies are extremely vulnerable to biofouling, predation by grazers and pathogenic attacks. 8,9 In order to thrive in this hostile environment, bryozoans have developed a chemical defense strategy, in which potent secondary metabolites are produced to combat these external threats.…”