ScienceDaily (Apr. 30, 2004) — ATLANTA (April 29, 2004) -- A Center for Behavioral Neuroscience research team led by Georgia State University biologist Charles Derby has identified the genetic sequence of an anti-microbial protein called Escapin found in the ink of the common Aplysia sea slug or hare. The finding could have implications for the development of new anti-bacterial industrial compounds to prevent the formation of damaging biofilms on marine materials such as ship hulls, fishing traps and nets.

When encountering predators, sea slugs discharge a purple ink containing Escapin which chemically resembles toxins of some venomous snakes. Among its properties, the protein causes foreign cells to lyse or explode and prevents bacteria from growing on sea hares.

Derby, whose team has sequenced, cloned and expressed Escapin, believes a natural or synthetic form of the protein could be manufactured for the marine industry as an environmentally friendly alternative to toxic heavy metals, such as copper, normally applied on materials to prevent biofilm development. Biofilm formation is the precursor to the growth of barnacles and other damaging organisms that must be removed through costly and time-consuming processes.

Derby, who has filed a provisional patent for Escapin's genetic sequence, plans to submit an academic paper for publication on the protein within the next several months. His research team includes former doctorate student and postdoctoral researcher Paul Johnson, GSU researchers Hsiuchin Yang, Phang Tai and Cynthia Kicklighter.

CBN, a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center consisting of more than 90 neuroscientists at eight metro Atlanta colleges and universities, conducts research on the basic neurobiology of complex social behaviors. Its programs have led to a breakthrough treatment for anxiety-related disorders and new understanding of the potential roles of the neurochemicals vasopressin and oxytocin in autism. CBN's workforce training programs also have contributed significantly to enhancing the diversity of Georgia's burgeoning biotechnology industry.

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by Emory University Health Sciences Center.

Related Stories

Sea Slug Mixes Chemical Defense Before Firing At Predators (Dec. 17, 2005) — When threatened by predators, sea slugs defend themselves by ejecting a potent inky secretion into the water consisting of hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and several types of acids. A team of researchers ...  > read more

Solar-Powered Sea-Slugs Live Like Plants (Dec. 3, 2008) — The lowly sea slug, "Elysia chlorotica," may not seem like the most exciting of creatures, but don't be fooled: It behaves like a plant and is solar-powered, says a biologist who has been studying ...  > read more

Invasive Snail And Slug Pests In US Assessed (July 30, 2009) — Researchers have assessed snail and slug species that are of potential threat to the nations agriculture industry and the environment, should they ever be introduced in the ...  > read more

Case Biologists Show That What A Neuron Can Do Is A Function Of Mechanical Context (Feb. 14, 2006) — The brain as command center for bodily movement was too simple an idea, thought the Russian physiologist Nicolas Bernstein some 60 years ago. Bernstein pointed out in 1940 that the great flexibility ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily

Sea Urchins Reveal Medical Mysteries