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Finding the Light Emission Stimulator of Neonothopanus nambi Basidiomycete and Studying its Properties

Summary

Scientists have discovered a compound that can enhance the natural light production (bioluminescence) in a specific type of glowing mushroom. This research helps us better understand how organisms produce biological light. Impact on everyday life: • Could lead to development of new biological light sources • May help create natural alternatives to artificial lighting • Potential applications in biological imaging and sensing • Could inspire new biotechnology tools and applications • Advances our understanding of bioluminescent organisms in nature

Background

Neonothopanus nambi is a luminous basidiomycete fungus capable of light emission. Understanding the mechanisms and compounds that stimulate this bioluminescence is important for both basic research and potential applications.

Objective

To identify and characterize a light emission stimulator compound from the mycelium of the luminous basidiomycete Neonothopanus nambi after β-glucosidase treatment.

Results

A low-molecular-weight, thermostable compound was identified that increases light emission by several times to 1.5 orders of magnitude. The compound passes through a 10-kDa cutoff membrane and maintains activity after heating at 100°C for 5 minutes. It shows absorption peaks at 205 and 260 nm with a shoulder at 350-370 nm, and exhibits blue fluorescence with emission maximum at 440 nm when excited at 360 nm. The compound was determined not to be a substrate or precursor of the fungal luminescent system.

Conclusion

A novel light emission stimulator was successfully isolated from N. nambi mycelium that significantly enhances bioluminescence. The compound’s physical and spectral properties were characterized, revealing it to be a stable, low-molecular-weight substance distinct from the fungal luminescent system components.
  • Published in:Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1134/S1607672922020120
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