Ecteinascidia turbinata

Ecteinascidia turbinata (YPM IZ 098495)

Ecteinascidia turbinata is a species of marine invertebrate belonging to the family Ascidiacea, which is a group of sea squirts. This organism is particularly notable for its role in the production of the anti-cancer compound Trabectedin, also known by its trade name Yondelis. Ecteinascidia turbinata is found in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and along the coast of Florida. It thrives in mangrove ecosystems, attaching itself to the roots and branches submerged in the water.

Description

Ecteinascidia turbinata appears as a colony of individual zooids, which are encased in a shared, gelatinous tunic. The colonies are typically a bright yellow-orange color, making them easily distinguishable in their natural habitat. Each zooid within the colony is responsible for both feeding and reproduction, contributing to the growth and maintenance of the colony as a whole.

Ecology

The primary habitat of Ecteinascidia turbinata is among the roots of mangrove trees, where it forms symbiotic relationships with various species of algae and microorganisms. This habitat provides protection from predators and a stable environment for growth and reproduction. The species feeds by filtering water to extract plankton and other small particles, a common feeding method among ascidians.

Biomedical Importance

Ecteinascidia turbinata has gained significant attention in the field of biomedical research due to its production of Trabectedin. Trabectedin is a powerful anti-cancer compound that has shown effectiveness against certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. The compound works by binding to the minor groove of DNA, interfering with cell division and thereby inhibiting tumor growth. The discovery of Trabectedin has led to increased interest in marine organisms as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals.

Conservation

The collection of Ecteinascidia turbinata from the wild for biomedical research and drug production has raised concerns about the conservation of this species. Efforts are being made to develop sustainable methods of producing Trabectedin, including aquaculture and synthetic biology approaches, to reduce the impact on natural populations.

See Also

• Marine pharmacology
• Conservation biology
• Synthetic biology