Abstract
Pyrocystis lunula is considered a model organism due to its bioluminescence capacity linked to circadian rhythms. The mechanisms underlying the bioluminescent phenomenon have been well characterized in dinoflagellates; however, there are still some aspects that remain an enigma. Such is the case of the presence and diversity of the luciferin-binding protein (LBP), as well as the synthesis process of luciferin. Here we carry out a review of the literature in relation to the molecular players responsible for bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, with particular interest in P. lunula. We also carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the conservation of protein sequence, structure and evolutionary pattern of these key players. The basic structure of the luciferase (LCF) is quite conserved among the sequences reported to date for dinoflagellate species, but not in the case of the LBP, which has proven to be more variable in terms of sequence and structure. In the case of luciferin, its synthesis has been shown to be complex process with more than one metabolic pathway involved. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the P630 or blue compound, seem to be involved in this process. In the same way, various hypotheses regarding the role of bioluminescence in dinoflagellates are exposed.
Highlights
Dinoflagellates are the most important eukaryotic protists that produce light [1,2]
The life cycles of P. lunula, as in other species of this genus, it is characterized by a normal asexual reproduction linked to simple alternations of coccoid cells and morphologically different transitory reproductive stages
Evidence of sexual reproduction has been reported in P. lunula [19]
Summary
Dinoflagellates are the most important eukaryotic protists that produce light [1,2]. This singularity has inspired literature and art, and an intensive scientific dissection [3,4,5]. Emerging information shows substantial evidence that LBP is an integral component of the standard molecular bioluminescence system in dinoflagellates [35,37,38]. Another important fact that today remains an enigma refers to what is the exact mechanism underlying the luciferin synthesis process. Sci. 2020, 21, 1784 system, such as the LCF It gives some new perspectives regarding the phylogenetic diversity of LBPs and the process of synthesis of luciferin, and of the bioluminescent mechanism underlying these organisms. Due to the ecological importance of Dinophyceae in marine environments and to the bioluminescence as a strategy for competition and/or survival, we carry out, on one hand, a comprehensive literature review to compile all the knowledge about the key players involved in the production of bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, and, on the other hand, we carry out a phylogenetic analysis of the conservation of protein sequence, structure and evolutionary pattern of these key players
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