Toward an understanding of cyprid cementation: characterization and localization of Balanus improvisus cyprid cement gland proteins.White paper tracking number FY2019-00341-AS
Abstract
Nontoxic or environmentally benign mitigation of marine biofouling is required so that the USNavy is not constrained in its future operations by increasingly stringent environmentalregulations. There is now a considerable body of evidence that a promising solution, obviatingthe need for biocides, is to interfere with adhesion of biofouling organisms. Existingtechnologies, so-called fouling-release (FR) coatings, interfere with adhesion but do notprevent fouling. To do so requires intervention at the point of initial contact with the surface.Barnacle adhesion has long attracted attention in efforts to develop easy-release/FR surfaces,but with a focus in the adult system. We know comparatively little about adhesion at thesettlement stage, the cypris larva. This stage is the conventional target for antifoulingtechnologies, albeit using biocides. The aim of this proposal is to advance understanding ofthe nature and functional role of cyprid cement gland proteins in adhesion. Elucidating thenature of this adhesive should facilitate the rational design of easy-release surfaces. We willfocus on Balanus improvisus, a model species for investigations of the fouling process, whichis well supported with biological sequence data. The objectives are to use a multi-omics(transcriptome, genome, proteome) approach to identify genes of interest, locate and quantifygene expression levels, identify proteins, and investigate their functional role by examining theeffect of gene silencing on adhesion strength of the cyprid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 08, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012241
Entities
People
- Anthony S Clare
Organizations
- Newcastle University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy