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BIOACTIVITY OF MARINE ORGANISMS: RELATIONSHIPS WITH TAXONOMY, GEOGRAPHY AND DEPTH.
No full textHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) has a worldwide collection of over 25,000 marine macro-invertebrates and algae representing diverse geographical, latitudinal, and depth (0-3000 ft) ranges. Samples are tested for biological activity in a panel of whole cell and enzyme/receptor assays, including antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxicity, antitumor, and immunomodulatory assays. Of the taxa sampled, Porifera have the greatest incidence of activity within these screens and especially within the antimicrobial assays. Cnidaria, Chordata (Ascidiacea), Phaeophyta, and Chlorophyta also show strong antimicrobial activity. A comparison of bioactivity and depth of collection indicates that benthic organisms are active throughout the depth range of this study. Antifungal activity is greatest for high latitude samples then decreases at the lower latitudes, whereas antibacterial activity decreases markedly above 30°N latitude. Strong site-specific trends also exist regardless of latitude or temperature. For example, samples from both the Bahamas and Seychelles show very strong activities for all assays whereas samples from various other tropical, warm water sites such as the Virgin Islands, Senegal, Colombia, Venezuela, and Sierra Leone are inactive in the enzyme assays. Data are used to target potential taxonomic and geographic sources of natural products for drug discovery to treat human diseases or as biomedical research tools
FINAL CRUISE REPORT: SUBMERSIBLE AND SCUBA COLLECTIONS AROUND LITTLE BAHAMA BANK, BAHAMA ISLANDS.
Get PDFDivision of Biomedical Marine Research (DBMR) scientists [John Reed (Chief Scientist; Dive Safety Officer), Dr. Amy Wright, Robin Willoughby, Kathleen Janda, Tara Pitts, Lynn Robertson, Sandra Scarpa, and Melanie McElroy conducted a 7 day research expedition to the Bahama Islands on the R/V EDWIN LINK from April 26 to May 2, 1995. The primary objectives were: 1) to
collect marine invertebrates for discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential; 2) to document the biodiversity of deep-water benthic communities with videotapes, 35-mm photographs, and museum specimens using the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK I Research Submersible; 3) to isolate heterotrophic microorganisms for culture; and 4) to procure living specimens
of tunicates for cell culture research. A total of 11 submersible dives, 7 scuba and 4 snorkel dives were conducted at 22 dive sites. The expedition resulted in the collection of 189 samples of macroinvertebrates, 146 microbial samples, and 4 tunicate samples for cell cuIture. These samples will be used in DBMR\u27s research program with the purpose of identifying potential pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of cancer, microbial diseases, diseases of the immune system, and other therapeutic agents
SUBMERSIBLE AND SCUBA COLLECTIONS IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS AND FLORIDA\u27S OCULINA CORAL BANKS: BIOMEDICAL AND BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH OF THE BENTHIC COMMUNITIES WITH EMPHASIS ON PORIFERA AND GORGONACEA.
Get PDFDivision of Biomedical Marine Research (DBMR) scientists [Dr. Shirley Pomponi (Principal Investigator; Director, Division of Biomedical Marine Research), John Reed (Chief Scientist; Dive Safety Off icer), Dr. Amy Wright, Robin Willoughby, Kathleen Janda, and Dr. Susan Sennett] and visiting scientists [Dr. Michelle Kelly-Borges, Dr. James McInerney, Dr. David Myles, Christi Adams, and Klaus Kelly-Borges] conducted a 7 day research expedition to the Bahama Islands on the R/V EDWIN LINK from October 25 to 31, 1996. One submersible dive was also conducted on the deep-water Oculina coral banks of central eastern Florida. The primary objectives were: 1) to conduct biochemical and DNA research on targeted bioactive sponges, 2) to collect marine invertebrates for discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential; 3) to document the biodiversity of deep-water benthic communities with videotapes, 35-mm photographs, and museum specimens using the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK II Research Submersible; 4) to isolate heterotrophic microorganisms for culture; and 5) to procure living specimens of sponges and tunicates for cell culture research.
A total of 12 submersible dives and 11 scuba/snorkel dives were conducted at 23 dive sites. The expedition resulted in the collection of 123 samples of macroinvertebrates, 81 microbial samples, and 14 samples for cell culture. These samples will be used in DBMR\u27s research program with the purpose of identifying potential pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of cancer, microbial diseases, diseases of the immune system, and other therapeutic agents
BIODIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF DEEP AND SHALLOW WATERSPONGES IN THE BAHAMAS.
Get PDFNine expeditions were conducted in the Bahamas from 1987 to 1995 for the purpose of collecting marine organisms for biomedical research. Collections concentrated on sponges from various deep water habitats: the fore reef slope and escarpment (30-60 m), the deep fore reef slope and escarpment (60-150 m), and the deep shelf slope (15-922 m). A total of 417 sites were sampled throughout the archipelago using the Johnson-Sea-Link and Clelia Research Submersibles, ROV, and scuba. For each sample, a taxonomic voucher specimen was prepared, and each was documented with in situ and laboratory photographs and videotapes. Collection site and sample descriptions were transcribed into a database. A total of 3058 sponges were collected from all depth zones: 922-300 m, 19.2%; 300-60 m, 39.6%; and \u3c 60 m, 41.2%. Nearly 300 species were enumerated, representing 20 orders, 61 families, and 137 genera. Distributional patterns of the taxa were analyzed with depth and latitude
COLLECTIONS OF MARINE ORGANISMS FOR RESEARCH ON NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY AND BIODIVERSITY: A SURVEY OF THE BENTHIC COMMUNITIES WITH EMPHASIS ON PORIFERA, OCTOCORALS, AND ALGAE FROM THE REEFS AND GRASSBEDS OF BOOTLESS BAY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
Get PDFThis report summarizes the results of a research expedition conducted by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI), Division of Biomedical Marine Research (DBMR) at Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea, January 22-31, 1994. The marine fauna and flora were surveyed and sampled by scuba diving and snorkeling at 19 sites which consisted of fringing reefs, patch reefs, deep water pinnacles, shallow reef and sand flats, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
A total of 506 samples of marine organisms were collected, including 295 sponges, 89 octocorals, 35 tunicates, 14 echinoderms, and 60 algae. At least three species of sponges may be new species, previously undescribed. Each sample was documented with underwater or laboratory photographs, taxonomic museum specimens, and a computerized database that included detailed site and sample descriptions.
Crude extracts of 364 samples were processed through eight assays to test for compounds with biological activity. For the whole cell assays, 16.8% of the samples were active in the A549 human lung cancer cell line and 15.4% tested positive in the P388 murine leukemia cell 1ine. For the target enzyme assays, 2.5% were active in ApN, 1.9% in CD45, 1.4% in cdc25A, and none were active in the CaN, LAR, and DPP IV assays. Samples will continue to be used in Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution\u27s program to discover biologically active novel compounds that may be applied in the long term to the development of therapeutic agents for human diseases.
Duplicate museum specimens and photographs of each specimen were provided to the Motupore Island Research Department (MIRD) of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) for permanent curation. Copies of this Final Report and the Preliminary Report were provided to MIRD and UPNG
PRELIMINARY CRUISE REPORT: SUBMERSIBLE AND SCUBA COLLECTIONS IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF HONDURAS, THE BAY ISLANDS: BIOMEDICAL AND BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH OF THE BENTHIC COMMUNITIES WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PORIFERA, ALGAE AND GORGONACEA.
Get PDFThe primary objectives were: 1) to collect marine invertebrates and algae for discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential; 2) to document the biodiversity of the deep-water and shallow-water benthic communities with videotapes, 35-mm photographs, and taxonomic museum specimens using the JOHNSONSEA-LINK II (JSL) Research Submersible and scuba; 3) to isolate microorganisms from macroinvertebrate and sediment samples; and 4) to procure specimens of sponges for cell culture studies. A total of 72 collection sites (31 submersible and 41 scuba/snorkel dive sites) were studied during 17 operation days. The expedition resulted in the collection of 567 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates and algae from deep water (\u3e50 m) using the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK II Research Submersible and from shallow water «50 m) using scuba and snorkel. These samples will be used for taxonomic studies and biomedical research. Duplicate museum voucher specimens were made for each species and duplicate in-situ photographs and submersible videotapes were made for most samples. These will sent to the Director General de Pesca y Acuicultura [DIGEPESCA] of Honduras. In addition, the Final Cruise Report will be submitted to the U.S. Department of State and to DIGEPESCA within 12 months of completion of the cruise. Two biologists from the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture were designated as representatives for Honduras during the cruise. Mr. Luis Morales, Head of the Research Department for DIGEPESCA, participated and collaborated with us during the cruise. Mrs. Gabriela Pineda of DIGEPESCA was unable to participate
DIVERSITY AND BIOACTIVITY OF MARINE SPONGES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
Get PDFSponges are among the most abundant groups of benthic marine invertebrates and are also known to produce a high diversity of bioactive compounds. As part of a research programme focusing on the discovery of marine natural products with therapeutic potential, we have studied 85 shallow and deep water habitats of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Approximately 500 samples of sponges were photodocumented, collected, taxonomically Identified, and biologically and chemically assayed. All classes of the Phylum Porifera and all orders of the Class Demosponglae were represented, although their relative abundance and diversity varied with depth. Nine percent of all sponges tested were found active In one or more enzyme assays used to identify compounds with potential as antitumor or immunoregulatory drugs
A CEMBRANOLIDE DITERPENE FARNESYL PROTEIN TRANSFERASE INHIBITOR FROM THE MARINE SOFT CORAL LOBOPHYTUM CRISTAGALLI.
Get PDFA previously described cembranolide diterpene from Lobophytum cristagalli was identified as a potent (lC so 0.15 11M) inhibitor of farnesyl protein transferase (FPT). The compound showed selectivity for FPT as compared to the closely related enzyme geranylgeranyl protein transferase-I (ICso 5.3 11M). Kinetic evaluation suggests that this compound competes with the protein/peptide farnesyl acceptor substrate, and not with farnesyl pyrophosphate for inhibition of FPT
ANTIMICROBIAL CONSTITUENT OF THE BROWN ALGA SPOROCHNUS PEDUNCULATUS.
Get PDFBioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of the brown alga Sporochnus pedunculatus led _to the isolation of 2-(3 \u27-methylbut-2\u27-enyl)-4-(1 , I -dimethylprop-2 -enyl) phenol (1) as the only antimicrobial compound. This compound is a growth inhibitor of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Bacillus subtilis. In this paper we report the isolation, identification, and biological activity of 1
ANALOGS OF THE MARINE IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT MICROCOLIN A: PREPARATION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY.
Get PDFA series of analogs of the immunosuppressive lipopeptide microcolin A has been prepared and evaluated for in vitro activity in the human and murine two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction. The compounds tested were obtained by semisynthetic modification and chemical degradation of the natural product. The relative potencies of these analogs suggest that the hydroxyproline and 5-methyl-3-pyrrolin-2-one portion of the molecule are important for immunosuppressive activity and that other structural elements may play an ancillary role. Methanolysis of microcolin A also led to a novel immunosuppressive lactone analog