Signalling molecules inducing metamorphosis in marine organisms
Maja Rischer1, Huijuan Guo1, Christine Beemelmanns1,2
1Chemical Biology of Microbe-Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, Jena, 07745, Germany. huijuan.guo@leibniz-hki.de.
Natural Product Reports
|July 13, 2022
Summary
Marine biofilms use microbial cues to trigger settlement and metamorphosis in marine organisms. This review summarizes current knowledge on signaling molecules influencing marine invertebrate larvae recruitment and development.
Area of Science:
- Marine chemical ecology
- Biofouling and biomineralization
- Larval settlement and metamorphosis
Background:
- Marine biofilms are crucial for the settlement and metamorphosis of marine organisms.
- This ecological process, known for decades, has seen recent acceleration in research.
- Understanding these cues is vital for marine biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biochemical and microbial knowledge on signaling molecules affecting marine invertebrate larvae.
- To explore compounds that induce or prevent recruitment, settlement, and metamorphosis.
- To discuss future research directions in marine chemical ecology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of findings from the early 1980s to early 2022.
- Synthesis of biochemical and microbial data on signaling molecules.
- Analysis of research on microbial cues, conspecific signals, and synthetic compounds.
Main Results:
- Microbial cues from marine biofilms are key triggers for settlement and metamorphosis.
- A range of signaling molecules, including microbial, conspecific, and synthetic compounds, influence larval behavior.
- The mechanisms of action for these cues are diverse and under active investigation.
Conclusions:
- Marine chemical ecology offers insights into controlling biofouling and enhancing aquaculture.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate signaling pathways and develop targeted applications.
- Understanding larval settlement cues is essential for managing marine ecosystems and resources.
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