Inter‐ and Intraspecific Variability of Nitrogenated Compounds in Gorgonian Corals <i>via</i> Application of a Fast One‐Step Analytical Protocol

Samorì, Chiara; Costantini, Federica; Galletti, Paola; Tagliavini, Emilio; Abbiati, Marco

doi:10.1002/cbdv.201700449

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…In fact taxonomy using only molecular tools should not be a replacement of classical taxonomy, but findings derived from one approach should be used as a driver for further investigation for the other. A multidisciplinary approach should include (1) reproductive biology of both morphotypes in sympatry, (2) field experiments to evaluate substrate specificity 26 , (3) studies of chemodiversity 49 , (4) naturalistic studies 16 and (5) more variable molecular markers (e.g. RAD sequencing 50 ; Terzin et al unpublished) and/or sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome 51 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence of genetic isolation between two Mediterranean morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae

Villamor

Signorini

Costantini

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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coralligenous assemblages are among the most species-rich and vulnerable habitats of the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, data on connectivity patterns on species inhabiting these habitats, crucial to define management and protection priorities, are largely lacking. Moreover, unreliable species-level taxonomy can confound ecological studies and mislead management strategies. In the northwestern Mediterranean two Parazoanthus axinellae morphotypes differing in size, color and preferred substrate are found in sympatry. In this study, we used COI and ITS sequence polymorphism to assess (1) the genetic divergence between the two morphotypes, (2) their connectivity patterns and (3) their phylogenetic position within the Parazoanthidae. Specimens of P. axinellae were sampled in 11 locations along the northwestern Mediterranean; in 6 locations, samples of the two morphotypes were collected in sympatry. Small genetic diversity and structure were found within morphotypes, while marked and consistent differentiation was detected between them. Moreover, the less widespread morphotype appeared to be closer to Pacific species as P. juanfernandezii and P. elongatus. Our findings confirmed the limited knowledge on Parazoanthus species complex, and how this gap can have important implication for the conservation strategies of this widespread and valuable genus in the Mediterranean Sea. Biogenic reefs are made by calcareous encrusting algae and animals that change the geological primary habitat on which they settled through superimposition of their skeletons. They are among the most productive and diverse benthic ecosystems, providing habitat, feeding grounds, recruitment and nursery areas for a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species 1. In the Mediterranean Sea, the main biogenic reefs are the coralligenous reefs. They are among the most important Mediterranean ecosystems due to the high diversity of species and ecological processes that they support 1,2. These complex habitats are threatened by several human activities (e.g. recreational fishing and trawling, sediment deposition, anchorage, diving), which lead to their fragmentation and loss 3,4. Monitoring spatio-temporal changes in species composition is crucial to quantify human-induced biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation, but the absence of clear taxonomic identifiers to distinguish between species makes this a challenging task. Many relevant coralligenous taxa (e.g. Porifera, Echinodermata, Cnidaria) lack diagnostic morphological characteristics, and therefore these groups are recognized as taxonomically problematic, in particular at lower taxonomic levels 5. Moreover, in these species, with high morphological plasticity 6 , some characters such as shape and coloration might not be reliable for species delimitation. It happened that morphospecies have turned out to be a single morphologically variable species 7-9 , and, conversely, what was thought to be multiple growth forms of a single species turned out to be a complex of species 10,11 .

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence of genetic isolation between two Mediterranean morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae

Villamor

Signorini

Costantini

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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“…Moreover, among the lipids identified, one was assigned to brassicasterol and two to DGDG. Brassicasterol is found in various marine organisms such as cnidarians, sponges or diatoms 58–60 . In addition to having significant anti-inflammatory properties 60 , this sterol exhibits activity against organisms such as protozoans 61 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Differential effects of coral-giant clam assemblages on biofouling formation

Guibert

Bonnard

Pochon

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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To prevent the settlement and/or the growth of fouling organisms (i.e. bacteria, fungi or microalgae), benthic sessile species have developed various defense mechanisms among which the production of chemical molecules. While studies have mostly focused on the release of chemical compounds by single species, there exist limited data on multi-species assemblages. We used an integrative approach to explore the potential interactive effects of distinct assemblages of two corals species and one giant clam species on biofouling appearance and composition. Remarkably, we found distinct biofouling communities suggesting the importance of benthic sessile assemblages in biofouling control. Moreover, the assemblage of 3 species led to an inhibition of biofouling, likely through a complex of secondary metabolites. Our results highlight that through their different effect on their near environment, species assemblages might be of upmost importance for their survival and therefore, should now be taken into account for sustainable management of coral reefs.

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“…About 2% of metabolites isolated from all gorgonian species contain an nitrogen atom including alkaloids, nucleosides, amide, and tryptamine derivatives [8,[50][51][52]. As with steroids and terpenoids, nitrogen containing compounds contribute to organisms by acting as a defense against negative external influences, increasing the biodiversity of marine habitat [50,51]. Particularly, xanthines and their methylated derivatives are often found in marine organisms included in nucleotide metabolism [50].…”

Section: Alkaloids and Nucleosidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As with steroids and terpenoids, nitrogen containing compounds contribute to organisms by acting as a defense against negative external influences, increasing the biodiversity of marine habitat [50,51]. Particularly, xanthines and their methylated derivatives are often found in marine organisms included in nucleotide metabolism [50]. They have already been isolated from other corals, particularly of the genus Sinularia, exhibiting antibacterial and cardiotonic activities [53,54].…”

Section: Alkaloids and Nucleosidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, they observed no significant difference in the presence of nitrogen containing metabolites in three Eunicella species (verrucosa, cavolini, and singularis). They extracted hypoxanthine, guanine, and adenosine, the latter being absent in E. verrucosa and guanine being the most abundant [50]. Gorgonian E. granulata collected in Senegal was the subject of the study led by Reyes et al to find new compounds with antitumor activity (Figure 13).…”

Section: Alkaloids and Nucleosidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Secondary Metabolites from Gorgonian Corals of the Genus Eunicella: Structural Characterizations, Biological Activities, and Synthetic Approaches

et al. 2019

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Gorgonian corals, which belong to the genus Eunicella, are known as natural sources of diverse compounds with unique structural characteristics and interesting bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo. This review is focused primarily on the secondary metabolites isolated from various Eunicella species. The chemical structures of 64 compounds were divided into three main groups and comprehensively presented: a) terpenoids, b) sterols, and c) alkaloids and nucleosides. The observed biological activities of depicted metabolites with an impact on cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities were reviewed. The most promising biological activities of certain metabolites point to potential candidates for further development in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries, and are highlighted. Total synthesis or the synthetic approaches towards the desired skeletons or natural products are also summarized.

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Inter‐ and Intraspecific Variability of Nitrogenated Compounds in Gorgonian Corals via Application of a Fast One‐Step Analytical Protocol

Cited by 5 publications

References 49 publications

Evidence of genetic isolation between two Mediterranean morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae

Evidence of genetic isolation between two Mediterranean morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae

Differential effects of coral-giant clam assemblages on biofouling formation

Secondary Metabolites from Gorgonian Corals of the Genus Eunicella: Structural Characterizations, Biological Activities, and Synthetic Approaches

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