Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids and Ultraviolet Radiation Effects in Aquatic Ecosystems

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are a diverse group of low-molecular-weight, water-soluble compounds synthesised by a wide range of aquatic organisms, including cyanobacteria, microalgae, marine invertebrates and some fish. With strong absorption maxima in the UV-A and UV-B regions, MAAs dissipate absorbed solar energy as heat, thereby reducing direct photodamage to cellular biomolecules and limiting the formation of reactive oxygen species. In natural waters, the concentration and composition of MAAs exhibit marked spatial and seasonal variability, reflecting shifts in solar irradiance, nutrient status and community structure. Ultraviolet radiation exerts profound effects on aquatic ecosystems by altering primary production, food-web interactions and the integrity of dissolved organic matter. UV-induced oxidative stress can impair photosynthetic efficiency, damage DNA and modulate species distributions, while also driving photochemical transformations of organic compounds that influence carbon and nutrient cycling. MAAs act as a critical photoprotection strategy, not only for the producer organisms but also through trophic transfer to consumers, thereby reinforcing ecosystem resilience under varying UV regimes. The elucidation of MAA biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms has potential to inform ecological models of UV tolerance, predict biogeographical responses to stratospheric ozone changes and underpin the development of sustainable UV-protective biotechnologies for human use.

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Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids and Ultraviolet Radiation Effects in Aquatic Ecosystems publication trend

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Technical terms

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs): Ultra-violet-absorbing secondary metabolites produced by various aquatic organisms that dissipate solar energy as heat and protect against UV damage.

Ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation): High-energy solar radiation divided into UV-A (315–400 nm) and UV-B (280–315 nm) wavelengths that can damage biomolecules in aquatic ecosystems.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules formed under UV exposure capable of causing oxidative damage to cellular components.

Photoprotection: Mechanisms by which organisms shield themselves from harmful effects of solar radiation.

Biosynthetic pathway: Series of enzymatic reactions within organisms that produce specific compounds such as MAAs.

References

1. Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs): Biology, Chemistry and Identification Features. Pharmaceuticals (2021).
2. Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids: Relevant Secondary Metabolites. Chemical and Ecological Aspects. Marine Drugs (2011).
3. Effects of UV radiation on aquatic ecosystems and interactions with other environmental factors. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences (2014).
4. Distribution and Abundance of MAAs in 33 Species of Microalgae across 13 Classes. Marine Drugs (2010).
5. De novo synthesis of a sunscreen compound in vertebrates. eLife (2015).
6. UVA and UVB Photoprotective Capabilities of Topical Formulations Containing Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs) through Different Biological Effective Protection Factors (BEPFs). Marine Drugs (2019).