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Published on: September 5, 2014
Coral fluorescent proteins as antioxidants
Caroline V Palmer1, Chintan K Modi, Laura D Mydlarz
1School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Caroline.palmer@jcu.edu.au
Plos One
|October 7, 2009
Summary
Coral fluorescent proteins (FPs) scavenge hydrogen peroxide, indicating a role in coral stress and immune responses. This study reveals novel antioxidant functions for these colorful proteins.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Coral Physiology
Background:
- Anthozoans possess diverse fluorescent proteins (FPs) with unknown biochemical functions.
- FP upregulation in stressed coral tissue suggests a role in host defense mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential of coral FPs.
- To determine if coral FPs contribute to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) scavenging in host tissues.
Main Methods:
- Quantified FP concentration and H(2)O(2) scavenging rates in seven Caribbean coral species.
- Analyzed H(2)O(2) scavenging activity of purified scleractinian FPs (CFP, GFP, RFP, CP) and their mutant counterparts in vitro.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between FP concentration and H(2)O(2) scavenging activity in coral tissue extracts.
- Purified FPs, particularly chromoproteins (CP) and red fluorescent proteins (RFP), demonstrated significant H(2)O(2) scavenging.
- Mutant FPs lacking chromophores exhibited even higher H(2)O(2) scavenging, suggesting additional roles beyond coloration.
Conclusions:
- Coral FPs possess significant H(2)O(2) scavenging activity, supporting their role in coral stress and immune responses.
- The antioxidant function of FPs, especially CP and RFP, is linked to their increased presence in compromised coral tissue.
- Scleractinian FPs exhibit multi-functionality, with roles potentially related to both their chromophore and apoprotein structure.
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