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Bugula

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Bugula
The nudibranch Diaphorodoris papillata Portmann & Sandmeier, 1960 feeding on Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Bryozoa
Class:
Gymnolaemata
Order:
Cheilostomata
Family:
Bugulidae
Genus:
Bugula

(Oken, 1815)

Bugula is a genus of common colonial arborescent bryozoa, often mistaken for seaweed. It commonly grows upright in bushy colonies of up to 15 cm in height.[1][2]

Distribution

The native distribution of Bugula neritina is presumed to be tropical and subtropical waters; however it has become widespread globally due to attachment to the hulls of vessels.[1] It is considered an invasive species in some countries.

Bugula neritina

Main article: Bugula neritina

Bugula neritina attracted interest as a source of cytotoxic chemicals, bryostatins, under clinical investigation as anti-cancer agents. It was first collected and provided to JL Hartwell’s anticancer drug discovery group at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by Jack Rudloe.[3] In 2001 pharmaceutical company GPC Biotech licensed Bryostatin 1 from Arizona State University for commercial development as a treatment for cancer. GPC Biotech canceled development in 2003, saying that Bryostatin 1 showed little effectiveness and some toxic side-effects.[4] More recent work shows it has positive effects on cognition in sufferers of Alzheimers with few side effects.[5]

Other uses

Dried Bugula are commonly used as decorations:

"Air fern", the so-called everlasting plant that supposedly absorbs from air all the moisture it needs to live, is commonly dried colonies of the bryozoan Bugula that have been artificially coloured.[6]

However, Sertularia argentea are also sold as "air ferns."[7]

Species

Species brought into synonymy

References

  1. ^ a b "Bugula neritina". exoticsguide.org. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  2. ^ Bock, P. (2015). Bugula Oken, 1815. In: Bock, P.; Gordon, D. (2015) World List of Bryozoa. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=110839 on 2015-09-02
  3. ^ Harford, B The Bryostatins’ Tale Chemical and Engineering News, Vol 89, No 43 PP. 10 - 17 Oct 24, 2011 accessed Dec 19, 2017
  4. ^ "Bryostatin 1". 19 June 2006. Archived from the original on 9 May 2007. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  5. ^ Nelsen et. al., JT Bryostatin Effects on Cognitive Function and PKCɛ in Alzheimer’s Disease Phase IIa and Expanded Access Trials J Alzheimers Dis. 2017; 58(2): 521–535. Accessed Dec 27, 2017
  6. ^ Frank K. McKinney. "The Bryozoa". International Bryozoology Association. Archived from the original on 2006-12-13. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  7. ^ Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Sertularia argentea Linnaeus, 1758. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. Accessed on 2020-01-11.
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