The bioluminescence of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis takes place when the photoprotein mnemiopsin in the photocytes reacts with Ca2+. The luminescence is inhibited in sunlight and this photoinhibition is reversible by keeping the live specimens in the dark. The extracts of mnemiopsin are similarly photoinhibited, but the photoinhibition cannot be reversed in the dark. We have found that photo-inhib...

The bright bioluminescence of ctenophores, found in oceans worldwide, is determined by Ca(2+)-regulated photoproteins, functionally identical to and sharing many properties of hydromedusan photoproteins. In contrast, however, the ctenophore photoproteins are extremely sensitive to UV and visible light over the range of their absorption spectrum. The spatial structure of a novel light-sensitive ...

Calcium-binding photoproteins have been discovered in a variety of luminous marine organisms [1]. Recent interest in photoproteins from the phylum Ctenophora has stemmed from cloning and expression of several photoproteins from this group [2-5]. Additional characterization has revealed unique biochemical properties found only in ctenophore photoproteins, such as inactivation by light. Here we r...

Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death associated with iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Novel ferroptosis inducers and suppressors could be instrumental in developing drugs against neurodegenerative disorders cancer. Prior to embarking on search for inducers/suppressors, this must studied living cells laboratory animals. In addition two cofactors, luciferase (or photoprotein) the parc...