Structure-function-dynamics relationships in the peculiar Planktothrix PCC7805 OCP1: impact of his-tagging and carotenoid type

The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a photoactive protein involved in cyanobacterial photoprotection. Here, we report on the functional, spectral and structural characteristics of the peculiar Planktothrix PCC7805 OCP (Plankto-OCP). We show that this OCP variant is characterized by higher photoactivation and recovery rates, and a stronger energy-quenching activity, compared to other OCPs studied thus far. We characterize the effect of the functionalizing carotenoid and of his-tagging on these reactions, and the time scales on which these modifications affect photoactivation. The presence of a His-tag at the C-terminus has a large influence on photoactivation, thermal recovery and PBS-fluorescence quenching, and likewise for the nature of the carotenoid that additionally affects the yield and characteristics of excited states and the ns-s dynamics of photoactivated OCP. By solving the structures of Plankto-OCP in the ECN- and CAN-functionalized states, each in two closely-related crystal forms, we further unveil the molecular breathing motions that animate Plankto-OCP at the monomer and dimer levels. We finally discuss the structural changes that could explain the peculiar properties of Plankto-OCP. - Complete functional characterization of Synechocystis and Planktothrix OCPs - Hitherto unknown structures of ECN- and CAN-functionalized Planktothrix OC

Catalogue of squat lobsters of the world (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura-families Chirostylidae, Galatheidae and Kiwaidae)

220 páginas, 5 figuras, 1 tabla.[EN] This adaptation text reproduces Anexo I of the dissertation “Results”: Sistemática e historia evolutiva de la Familia Galatheidae (Crustacea: Anomura) en el Pacífico Sur, of Patricia Cabezas (2010) http://hdl.handle.net/10261/134771[ES] Este artículo es una adaptación del Anexo I de la tesis doctoral: Sistemática e historia evolutiva de la Familia Galatheidae (Crustacea: Anomura) en el Pacífico Sur, of Patricia Cabezas (2010) http://hdl.handle.net/10261/134771Taxonomic and ecological interest in squat lobsters has grown considerably over the last two decades. A checklist of the 870 current valid species of squat lobsters of the world (families Chirostylidae, Galatheidae and Kiwaidae) is presented. The compilation includes the complete taxonomic synonymy and geographical distribution of each species plus type information (type locality, repository and registration number). The numbers of described species in the world’s major ocean basins are summarised.Peer reviewe

Symphurus prolatinaris, a new species of shallow-water tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae) from the eastern Pacific

Volume: 104Start Page: 448End Page: 45

Understanding deep-pelagic ecosystem dynamics: A new research initiative in the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND).

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has demonstrated a worst-case scenario oil disaster at great depths, while also highlighting the paucity of baseline data for deep-ocean ecosystems in general. Without such data, and information on the drivers of natural variability in these systems, impacts from these activities are difficult or impossible to assess. Here we introduce a new research initiative, DEEPEND (Deep-Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico), whose mission will be to characterize the oceanic ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico to infer baseline biophysical conditions in the water column. This information will establish a time-series with which natural and anthropogenic changes can be detected. The DEEPEND Consortium will conduct a 3-year (2015–2017) sampling and analysis program that will focus on short-term (sub-generational) and long-term (evolutionary) timescales to appraise the dynamic nature of communities using a suite of integrated approaches. These investigations include: (1) a direct assessment (taxonomic and genetic) of GoM deep-pelagic community structure, from microbes to nekton, with simultaneous investigation of the physical and biological drivers of this structure; (2) examination of the patterns of deep-scattering layer distributions in response to time (day vs. night) and oceanographic conditions; (3) a timeseries analysis/modeling of biophysical data from 2010–2017; (4) a time-series examination of differences in genetic diversity among key species; (5) biogeochemical assays of the effect of DWHOS on shallow- and deep-pelagic biota (otolith microchemistry and whole-body PAH analyses); and (6) traditional and isotope-based trophic analyses to examine the primary vectors in a food web context

DEEPEND: Deep-Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWHOS) was primarily a deep-pelagic event. Variable amounts of discharged hydrocarbons reached the ocean surface and/or seafloor, whereas 100% occurred within the water column. Understanding this pelagic habitat is important because about half of all fish species that occur in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) spend all or part of their lives in the open ocean. Most mesopelagic (200-1000 m depth) species of fishes vertically migrate each night to feed in epipelagic (0-200 m) depths and return to deep water during the day. This behavior affects rapid cycling of natural and anthropogenic material in the water column. Deep-pelagic fishes are prey for gamefishes, seabirds, and marine mammals. Given the steady growth of oil exploration and operations, the likelihood of future spills emphasizes the need to document acute and chronic effects on pelagic fauna. The DEEPEND (Deep-Pelagic Nekton Dynamics) Consortium will conduct a 3-year sampling and analysis program that builds on two intensive NOAA-supported surveys during 2010-11. DEEPEND will focus on short-term and long-term timescales to appraise the dynamic nature of communities using a suite of integrated approaches. These investigations include: 1) a direct assessment of GoM deep-pelagic community structure including the physical and biological drivers of this structure; 2) a time-series analysis/comparison of biophysical data from the years 2010- 2011 and 2015-2017; 3) a time-series examination of differences in genetic diversity among key species; and 4) a biogeochemical analysis of the effect of DWHOS on pelagic biota