Nature and perception of barnacle settlement pheromones

摘要: It is now almost 50 years since the gregarious settlement of barnacles and its chemical basis was first described. Although originally noted for Elminius modestus, mechanistic studies gregariousness have focused on two species, Semibalanus balanoides Balanus amphitrite. By virtue ease study economic importance as a fouling organism, latter species has assumed increasing in recent years. This paper will provide an overview pheromones their perception. An adult glycoprotein, arthropodin (now known settlement-inducing protein complex or SIPC), once thought to be sole pheromone involved induction cypris larval settlement. At least other are involved, waterborne cue originating from temporary adhesive. The related, immunologically, SIPC. In keeping with many examples communication, available evidence suggests that barnacle involves receptor-ligand interactions signal transduction pathway(s) translates into attachment metamorphosis. Similar findings been reported some, but not all, marine invertebrate larvae examined thus far implications antifoulant development discussed.