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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Applications of Fucoidan from Marine Macroalgae
According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature system, fucoidan specifically designates the heterogeneous marine sulfated polysaccharides which are copiously found in the cell wall matrix of various species of brown algae. The cell walls of brown algae consist of an amorphous matrix of acid polysaccharides, such as fucoidan and alginic acid, which are linked to each other by proteins, giving structural integrity and flexibility to the seaweed. Generally, fucoidan constitutes about 5–10% of the dry algal biomass, which varies based on the species and the seasons. The fucoidan is used in regenerative medicine, drug delivery systems and the food industry.
660
14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Marine Actinomycetes
Actinomycetales is an order of Gram-positive bacteria consisting of both benign and pathogenic bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria.
655
14 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Phycoerythrin from Blue-Green Algae
Phycoerythrin (PE) is a colored, water-soluble pigment–protein complex from the phycobiliprotein (PBP) family and is predominantly found in rhodophytes, cryptophytes, and cyanobacteria. It is a 240 kDa oligomeric chromoprotein with an intense pink/red color. This PBP is a light-harvesting accessory pigment that absorbs wavelengths that chlorophyll cannot. In terms of energy transfer, PE is the first PBP to absorb light and emits energy to phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC), consecutively. PE is characterized by its original spectrum properties, such as fluorescence emission. On the other hand, previous PBP research was focused on PC, and the scientific community realized that PE is endowed with antioxidant potential due to its ability to scavenge free radicals. This allows them to prevent or delay the onset of potentially fatal diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and hepatotoxicity. The potent antioxidant activity promotes human health and boosts the immune response against infections. These bioactive compounds also resist photooxidative damage, which would otherwise have an adverse impact on crucial cellular machineries, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. In comparison to PC and APC, the unique fluorescent properties of PE have made it a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
624
12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Red King Crab Larvae in the Barents Sea
The red king crab (RKC) is a large invasive species inhabiting bottom communities in the Barents Sea. Larval stages of RKC play an important role in determining the spread and recruitment of the population in the coastal waters. Here researchers describe morphological aspects, distribution patterns, and abunance of RKC larvae in the coastal Barents Sea.
609
11 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Biological Properties of Marine Cyanobacteria
Marine cyanobacteria are an ancient group of photosynthetic microbes dating back to 3.5 million years ago. They are prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites.
617
22 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Algal Phlorotannins as Novel Antibacterial Agents
Phlorotannins (PTs), an important group of algae-derived polyphenolic compounds, have been considered potent antibacterial agents both as single drug entities and in combination with commercially available antibacterial drugs.
592
04 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Ecosystem Services Provided by Kelp Forests
Ecosystem services (ES) are defined as the benefits that humans obtain from ecological systems. These include services such as food and fresh water and climate regulation, among others that make human life possible. This concept is established as a “policy advocacy tool” since it helps with management practices.
587
14 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Black Coral Distribution in Italian
The aim of this entry is to present a review of the knowledge on the occurrence of black corals in the Italian seas, providing the first comprehensive distribution map of these species. The distribution of black corals may be considered the first step towards defining a more complete overview regarding the present knowledge on these vulnerable species. This study also highlights the need for the conservation programs protecting black corals in the Italian seas.
553
28 Jul 2021
Topic Review
RgIA
Conus regius is a marine venomous mollusk of the Conus genus that captures its prey by injecting a rich cocktail of bioactive disulfide bond rich peptides called conotoxins. These peptides selectively target a broad range of ion channels, membrane receptors, transporters, and enzymes, making them valuable pharmacological tools and potential drug leads. α-RgIA (or RgIA) is the most documented α-conotoxin described in C. regius. RgIA was identified using a PCR-based discovery method, which later allowed its synthesis using standard Fmoc chemistry. This peptide is characterized by the cysteine framework I (CC-C-C) and displays a globular disulfide connectivity. The α9α10 nAChR subtype, which is critical for mediating synaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear to the cochlear hair cells, has also been implicated in a series of pathological conditions, including neuropathic pain, tumor proliferation, and immune-mediated disorders. Considering the high affinity of RgIA towards this receptor subtype, its discovery led to the possibility of studying the role of α9α10 nAChRs in several diseases.
534
26 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Effects of Seawater Acidification on Echinoid Adult Stage
The continuous release of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing the acidity of seawater worldwide, and the pH is predicted to be reduced by ~0.4 units by 2100. Ocean acidification (OA) is changing the carbonate chemistry, jeopardizing the life of marine organisms, and in particular calcifying organisms. Because of their calcareous skeleton and limited ability to regulate the acid–base balance, echinoids are among the organisms most threatened by OA.
509
17 Jun 2022
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