Fluorescent proteins generate a genetic color polymorphism and counteract oxidative stress in intertidal sea anemones

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Clarke, D. Nathaniel; Rose, Noah H.; De Meulenaere, Evelien; Rosental, Benyamin; Pearse, John S.; Pearse, Vicki Buchsbaum; Deheyn, Dimitri D.
• 署名单位: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); University of California System; University of California San Diego; Thermo Fisher Scientific; Stanford University; University of California System; University of California San Diego; Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; University of California System; University of California Santa Cruz
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-13974
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317017121
• 发表日期: 2024-03-12
• 关键词: gfp-like proteins; 2 algal symbionts; anthopleura-elegantissima; actinia-equina; green; anthozoa; temperate; morphs; zooxanthellae; populations

摘要

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are ubiquitous tools in research, yet their endogenous functions in nature are poorly understood. In this work, we describe a combination of functions for FPs in a clade of intertidal sea anemones whose FPs control a genetic color polymorphism together with the ability to combat oxidative stress. Focusing on the underlying genetics of a fluorescent green Neon color morph, we show that allelic differences in a single FP gene generate its strong and vibrant color, by increasing both molecular brightness and FP gene expression level. Natural variation in FP sequences also produces differences in antioxidant capacity. We demonstrate that these FPs are strong antioxidants that can protect live cells against oxidative stress. Finally, based on structural modeling of the responsible amino acids, we propose a model for FP antioxidant function that is driven by molecular surface charge. Together, our findings shed light on the multifaceted functions that can co- occur within a single FP and provide a framework for studying the evolution of fluorescence as it balances spectral and physiological functions in nature.