Similarities and differences between the Chaetopterus variopedatus polychaete luciferases depending on the type of habitat

The marine polychaete Chaetopterus variopedatus (Renier) (family Chaetopteridae) is a cosmopolitan species complex, consisting of distinct populations/ subspecies. worms release glowing (460 nm) clouds mucus when disturbed, and their parapodia often glow brightly. Currently, it still unclear how exactly the bioluminescence system these polychaetes functions. It has been previously assumed that C. luciferase may be used for detection ferroptosis, recently explored pathway programmed cell death, resulting from accumulation ferrous ions. This study was aimed to extract characterize luciferases, as well compare luciferases obtained different populations. When extracting enzyme responsible frozen samples Brazilian using improved method, two active L1 L2, were obtained. We one listed above luminescence other in parapodia, method living Far Eastern variopedatus. However, latter turned out non-glowing. shown L2 polychaete, since this found total biomass polychaetes. Luminescence attributed functioning L1, which lacking range isoforms depends on place origin.