Novel mechanism of bioluminescence: oxidative decarboxylation of a moiety adjacent to the light emitter of Fridericia luciferin

Abstract

A novel luciferin from a bioluminescent Siberian earthworm Fridericia heliota was recently described. In this study, the Fridericia oxyluciferin was isolated and its structure elucidated. The results provide insight into a novel bioluminescence mechanism in nature. Oxidative decarboxylation of a lysine fragment of the luciferin supplies energy for light generation, while a fluorescent CompX moiety remains intact and serves as the light emitter.

Keywords: bioluminescence; bioorganic chemistry; luciferin; oxidative decarboxylation; peptides.