The Chemical Ecology of Antarctic Shallow-water Sponges: An Investigation of Toxicity and Feeding Deterrence

这项调查将研究许多最重要的化学生态学 大陆浅部丰富而显著的底栖海绵 南极洲的大陆架沃茨。 这是第一个全面的 的毒理学和拒食特性分析 任何极地系统中的海绵。 多生物测定方法将 使用各种生物体，包括胚胎、幼年和成年 海洋无脊椎动物和海洋脊椎动物， 海绵 最近的证据表明，毒性是常见的抗肿瘤药物， 海绵 重要的是，那些显示生物活性的海绵 将进行化学分析，以分离和阐明其活性 代谢物。 此外，鉴于新化学品的高潜力， 化合物，抗疟海绵提取物将进行抗- 病毒和抗肿瘤活性。 拟议的研究将促进 了解毒性的纬度和分类模式， 海洋海绵，并最终提供重要的信息， 化合物在南极底栖生物生态学中的作用 社区.

This investigation will examine the chemical ecology of many of the most abundant and conspicuous benthic sponges in the shallow continental shelf waters of Antarctica. This represents the first comprehensive analysis of toxicological and feeding deterrent characteristics of marine sponges in any polar system. The multi-bioassay approach will employ a variety of organisms including embryonic, juvenile and adult marine invertebrates, and marine vertebrates, which co-occur with sponges. Recent evidence suggests that toxicity is common in antarctic sponges. Importantly, those sponges which reveal biological activity will be chemically analyzed to isolate and elucidate their active metabolites. Moreover, given the high potential for novel chemical compounds, extracts of antarctic marine sponges will be tested for anti- viral and anti-tumor activity. The proposed study will facilitate an understanding of latitudinal and taxonomic patterns of toxicity in marine sponges and, ultimately, provide important information on the role of chemical compounds in the ecology of antarctic benthic communities.