Abstract
AbstractHere we utilize chemical ecology as a tool to manipulate the biological system of a small, but highly venomous to humans, cubozoan jellyfish, Carukia barnesi. We trialled a range of chemical reagents including indole compounds, 9-cis-retinoic acid and lugols solution to induce metamorphosis between the polyp and medusa life stages. An optimum method was determined resulting in a 90% metamorphosis rate to healthy medusa by exposing the polyps to 1 μM of 5-methoxy-2-methylindole for 24 h. Of note is that chemical exposure time significantly impacts health and metamorphosis rates in this species. We also present a theoretical mechanism for the chemical/biological interactions occurring during metamorphosis. This is a significant methodological advancement which now enables rearing of this animal en mass in aquaria—a world first for this species—which will subsequently supply and facilitate venom research into this understudied jellyfish.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference29 articles.
1. Southcott, R. V. Revision of some Carybdeidae (scyphozoa: cubomedusae), including a description of the jellyfish responsible for the ‘irukandji syndrome’. Aust. J. Zool. 15, 651–671 (1967).
2. Barnes, J. H. Cause and effect in irukandji stingings. Med. J. Aust. 1, 897–904 (1964).
3. Fenner, P. & Hadok, J. Fatal envenomation by jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome. Med. J. Aust. 177, 362–363 (2002).
4. Pereira, P. et al. Intracerebral hemorrhage and death after envenoming by the jellyfish Carukia barnesi. Clin. Toxicol. 48, 390–392 (2010).
5. Crew, B. The Smallest and Deadliest Kingslayer in the World - Scientific American Blog Network. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/running-ponies/the-smallest-and-deadliest-kingslayer-in-the-world/ (2013).