« Previous AbstractThe allergen Mus m 1.0102: Cysteine residues and molecular allergology    Next Abstract[Indoor air quality in an Italian military submarine] »

J Chem Ecol

Title:		"Chemical attractants in horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, eggs: the potential for an artificial bait"
Author(s):		Ferrari KM; Targett NM;
Address:		"Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware 19958, USA"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2003
Volume:		29
Issue:		2
Page Number:		477 - 496
DOI:		10.1023/a:1022698431776
ISSN/ISBN:		0098-0331 (Print) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus, are the preferred bait in the eel and conch fisheries along the east coast of the United States. However, recent management measures have restricted the availability of horseshoe crabs to commercial fisheries, creating the need for sustainable, alternative bait sources. In this study, we examined the chemistry underlying the predator-prey attraction to determine if specific, isolable attractant metabolites from the horseshoe crab could be identified and characterized for incorporation into an artifical bait. Initial assays with the mud snail, Hyanassa obsoleta, suggested that the chemoattractants were concentrated in L. polyphemus eggs. Chemical analyses and biological assays of the egg extract indicated the primary cue was a heat-stable, proteinaceous compound (>10 kDa). A carbohydrate-rich fraction of low molecular mass (< 10 kDa) also enhanced mud snail chemotaxis. Analysis of egg digests with SDS-PAGE confirmed the presence of glycoproteins or carbohydrate-binding proteins in the horseshoe crab egg extract. Because the attractant appears to be a complex protein or glycoprotein, conventional chemical synthesis is unlikely. However, the tools of modem biotechnology offer the potential to produce this attractant in a system independent of the horseshoe crab. Such an attractant could be incorporated into an artificial bait, providing an ecologically sound alternative for commercial eel and whelk fisheries"
Keywords:		Animals Biotechnology Chemoreceptor Cells Conservation of Natural Resources Eels Female Fisheries Horseshoe Crabs/*physiology Ovum/chemistry Pheromones/*pharmacology Snails/chemistry/physiology;
Notes:		"MedlineFerrari, Kirstin M Targett, Nancy M eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. 2003/05/10 J Chem Ecol. 2003 Feb; 29(2):477-96. doi: 10.1023/a:1022698431776"