Induction of photolyase activity in wood frog (Rana sylvatica) embryos

Rising ultraviolet-B (UVB, 280-320 nm) radiation has been proposed as a factor which may explain nonnormal amphibian population declines. Accordingly research has been directed toward estimating the photolyase activity of several amphibian species in order to predict a species' resilience to UV damage. Unfortunately, in spite of published research which demonstrated that the activity of one of the principal photorepair enzymes, photolyase, can be induced, these estimates did not address the potential for in vivo induction by environmental factors present in situ. We show here that wood frog (Rana sylvatica) embryos exposed to periods of ambient solar radiation (1) displayed significantly different photolyase activities from embryos exposed to equivalent periods of dark; and (2) were positively correlated with the UVB fluence received in vivo. Such results suggest that previous conclusions regarding the relationship between photorepair and population decline must be reevaluated. Estimating amphibian photorepair is a complicated process, and caution must be exercised when interpreting such data.     

Review: Examining the Natural Role of Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Magainin

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are a group of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are crucial components of the innate immune system of many different organisms. These small peptides actively kill microbes and prevent infection. Despite the presence of AMPs in the amphibian immune system, populations of these organisms are in decline globally. Magainin is an AMP derived from the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) and has displayed potent antimicrobial effects against a wide variety of microbes. Included in this group of microbes are known pathogens of the African clawed frog and other amphibian species. Arguably, the most deleterious amphibious pathogen is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a chytrid fungus. Investigating the mechanism of action of magainin can help understand how to effectively fight off infection. By understanding amphibian AMPs’ role in the frog, a potential conservation strategy can be developed for other species of amphibians that are susceptible to infections, such as the North American green frog (Rana clamitans). Considering that population declines of these organisms are occurring globally, this effort is crucial to protect not only these organisms but the ecosystems they inhabit as well.     

Toxic effects of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles: Growth,antioxidant indices and thyroid hormone-related endocrine system

Imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor have potential damage to nontarget aquatic organisms. However, limited information has been provided on their underlying toxicity effects on Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. Thus, the acute toxicity and chronic effects of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor on R. nigromaculata tadpoles were studied. Acute toxicity indicted that 96 h for LC₅₀ values of  imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor were 173.55 and 427.37 mg/L, respectively. In this research, we explored antioxidant enzymes, some biological indexes, hormone levels and expression of relative tadpole genes involved in thyroid hormone-dependent metaplastic development after exposure for 28 days under 1/10 and 1/100 LC₅₀. Results showed an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the tadpoles, and a low bioconcentration level with a bioconcentration factor (BCFs) < 1. The impact on the development of tadpoles was induced by the breakdown of hormonal levels engaged in metamorphosis. According to the real-time PCR results, imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor delayed amphibian metamorphosis by modifying mRNA expression, indicating that imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor may have an endocrine-disrupting effect on R. nigromaculata tadpoles. These findings were indicative of the toxicity of imidacloprid and sulfoxaflor to R. nigromaculata tadpoles.     

Photoprotection in tadpoles of the common frog, Rana temporaria

The common frog, Rana temporaria, spawning at altitudes up to 2600 m, is potentially threatened by UVB radiation. In laboratory experiments we found a specifically UVB absorbing substance (UVAS) in the skin of tadpoles with maximum absorption between 290 and 300 nm. The production of UVAS is induced by both visible light and ultraviolet radiation. The concentrations of UVAS found in tadpoles from the field are about as high as those found in tadpoles from laboratory experiments with UVB radiation under simulated mid-summer conditions. The existence of two powerful sun screen factors (UVAS and melanin pigmentation) may explain the high resistance of R. temporaria tadpoles to the intensive UVB radiation at high altitudes.     

Tolerance to Solar Ultraviolet‐B Radiation in the Citrus Red Mite,An Upper Surface User of Host Plant Leaves

Plant‐dwelling mites are potentially exposed to solar ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation that causes deleterious and often lethal effects, leading most mites to inhabit the lower (underside) leaf surfaces. However, in species of spider mite belonging to the Genus Panonychus, a substantial portion of individuals occur on upper leaf surfaces. We investigated whether the upper leaf surfaces of citrus trees are favorable for P. citri, and to what extent they are tolerant to UVB radiation. If eggs are not adequately protected from UVB damage, females may avoid ovipositing on the upper surfaces of sunny leaves. To test this, we conducted laboratory experiments using a UVB lamp, and semioutdoor manipulative experiments. As a result, P. citri eggs are tolerant to UVB. Field studies revealed that the ratio of eggs and adult females on upper leaf surfaces were larger for shaded than for sunny leaves. However, 64–89% of eggs hatched successfully even on sunny upper leaf surfaces. Nutritional evaluation revealed that whether on sunny or shaded leaves, in fecundity and juvenile development P. citri reaped the fitness benefits of upper leaf surfaces. Consequently, P. citri is tolerant to UVB damage, and inhabiting the upper surfaces of shaded leaves is advantageous to this mite.     

HPLC and MALDI investigation of the stress influence on the composition of skin secretion of the Common frog <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana temporaria</Emphasis>

Skin secretory amphibian antimicrobial peptides are the part of their immune defense. The present work is devoted to the study of the influence of “water environment stress” and additional bacterial impact on the composition of the skin secretion of the Common frog (Rana temporaria) by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. It was shown that the contact of the amphibian species with Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus stimulates the release of antimicrobial peptides, maintains the high bradykinin and related peptides levels in the skin secretion and influences the processing of the latter ones. The possibilities of mass spectrometric profiling by using HPLC and MALDI were demonstrated. This feature allows the detection of potentially bioactive peptides for their future direct testing, as has been shown for temporin M and brevinin 1Tb in the present study.     

Light‐mediated DNA Repair Prevents UVB‐induced Cell Cycle Arrest in Embryos of the Crustacean Macrobrachium olfersi

High levels of ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation can negatively affect aquatic animals. Macrobrachium olfersi is a prawn that lives in clear freshwaters and during the breeding season, females carry eggs in an external brood pouch. Therefore, we hypothesize that eggs are also exposed to environmental UVB radiation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether UVB radiation induces DNA damage and compromises cell cycle in embryos of M. olfersi. In laboratory, UVB irradiance (310 mW. cm^?2) that embryos receive in the natural environment was simulated. After irradiation, embryos were kept under different light conditions in order to recognize the presence of cell repair. UVB radiation induces DNA damage, specifically thymine dimers. After 48 h of UVB exposure, a significant decrease in the level of these dimers was observed in embryos kept under visible light while it remained constant in the dark. Moreover, under visible light and darkness, a decrease in proliferation was observed after 48 h of irradiation. An increase in PCNA expression and decrease in p53 expression were observed after, respectively, 1 and 48 h of exposure. Our results showed that UVB radiation disturbs the cell cycle and induces DNA damage in M. olfersi embryos. However, under visible light these embryos showed successful DNA repair.     

Mass spectral study of the skin peptide of brown frog <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana temporaria</Emphasis> from Zvenigorod population

Skin secretions of amphibian are an interesting source of biologically active peptides. The present study provides the profile of the skin secretions of the brown frog Rana temporaria from Zvenigorod population (Russia). Sequencing of the skin secretion components has been carried out on an ion cyclotron resonance instrument with electrospray ionization and two methods of fragmentation activation, collisional activation and electron capture. For sequencing of the peptides containing intermolecular C-terminal disulfide cycle two methods of disulfide bond opening have been used: reduction with subsequent alkylation of the free thiol groups and oxidation with performic acid with the formation of sulfo-acid groups. The peptide profile of Rana temporaria studied by a complex mass spectral method has been compared with the data for the frogs of other European populations of this species. For the first time we have revealed ornithokinin-antagonist of the ornithokinin receptor-in skin secretions of amphibians.     

Diel Cycles of DNA Damage and Repair in Eggs and Larvae of Northern Anchovy, Engraulis mordax, Exposed to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract— Damage from UVB radiation (280–320 nm) in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in DNA and the capacity for their repair were measured in newly spawned eggs and yolk-sac larvae of northern anchovy, Engraulis mordax, exposed to natural diel cycles of sunlight. The CPD were measured by a newly developed chemiluminescent immunoblot assay capable of measuring CPD in samples as small as 50 ng DNA. Eggs and yolk-sac larvae exposed to full irradiance levels died. At lower dose rates, equivalent to deeper more natural locations in the water column, there was a diel cycle of dimer concentration that tracked solar intensity. This diel cycle was due to the interaction of damage and repair processes. Repair of CPD in anchovy eggs and larvae could be attributed to true photodependent repair that could be stopped by moving samples into the dark. The CPD present at sunset remained until the following morning. The diel cycles of damage and repair were maintained over at least 4 days without a long-term upward or downward trend in dimer concentration. This indicates that at the UVB doses used for these experiments, there was no long-term accumulation of CPD nor an induction of increased repair capacity. Unhatched embryos spawned in the dark also exhibited a strong photorepair response, suggesting that photolyase expression was innate and not dependent on previous light exposure. The diel cycle observed here indicates that, at least for northern anchovy, the CPD concentration at the time of sampling is a good indicator of dose rate but a poor indicator of cumulative dose (i.e. late afternoon samples have the highest cumulative dose but relatively low CPD concentrations). The CPD immunoassay described here has the required sensitivity for measuring DNA damage in wild populations of ichthyoplankton exposed to natural sunlight. These results will guide the collection and interpretation of field data on natural levels of CPD in wild larvae collected at different depths and times of the day.     

The Influence of Photosynthetically Active Radiation on the Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Arabidopsis thaliana

Ultraviolet-B (UVB;280–320 nm) radiation is a small but biologically significant portion of the solar spectrum reaching the earth's surface. Research interests have been fostered because UVB has been increasing in recent years due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. Ultraviolet-B that penetrates into plant tissue may damage important cellular macromolecules. Although there has been considerable research on the effects of UVB on plants, the influence of the level of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR;400–700 nm) on effects of UVB requires further definition as a prelude to studies of UVB sensitivity and defense mechanisms. Arabidopsis thaliana wildtype ecotype Landsberg erecta (LER), which is relatively insensitive to UVB, and the relatively sensitive LER-based mutant transparent testa-5 (tt5), were grown under 100 or 250 μmol m^?2 s^?1 PAR and then exposed to O or 7 kJ m^?2 day ^?1 UVB_BE under these PAR levels. Plants exposed to UVB had reduced dry weight and leaf area and higher levels of UV-absorbing compounds in leaf tissue. The level of PAR did influence the effects of UVB, with the higher level of PAR prior to UVB exposure reducing sensitivity of LER to UVB. In contrast to other studies, higher PAR supplied simultaneously with UVB increased rather than decreased sensitivity of both genotypes to UVB. These results demonstrate the importance of controlling and comparing PAR levels when undertaking studies of UVB sensitivity, as effects of UVB on plants are influenced by the PAR levels plants are growing under prior to and during exposure to UVB.     

Quantification of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers Induced by UVB Radiation in Conidia of the Fungi Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus nidulans,Metarhizium acridum and Metarhizium robertsii

Conidia are responsible for reproduction, dispersal, environmental persistence and host infection of many fungal species. One of the main environmental factors that can kill and/or damage conidia is solar UV radiation. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) are the major DNA photoproducts induced by UVB. We examined the conidial germination kinetics and the occurrence of CPD in DNA of conidia exposed to different doses of UVB radiation. Conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans and Metarhizium acridum were exposed to UVB doses of 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 and 5.4 kJ m⁻². CPD were quantified using T4 endonuclease V and alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. Most of the doses were sublethal for all three species. Exposures to UVB delayed conidial germination and the delays were directly related both to UVB doses and CPD frequencies. The frequencies of dimers also were linear and directly proportional to the UVB doses, but the CPD yields differed among species. We also evaluated the impact of conidial pigmentation on germination and CPD induction on Metarhizium robertsii. The frequency of dimers in an albino mutant was approximately 10 times higher than of its green wild-type parent strain after exposure to a sublethal dose (1.8 kJ m⁻²) of UVB radiation.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of essential oil of Hedychium greenii and Hedychium gracile from India

The chemical constituents of the essential oils hydrodistilled from rhizome parts of Hedychium greenii W.W. Sm. and Hedychium gracile Roxb, of family Zingiberaceae, growing in India, were analysed for the first time by GC-FID and GC-MS, respectively. A total of 30 and 29 components representing 99.62 and 96.74% of the total oil were identified in the essential oils of H. greenii and H. gracile, respectively. The major components of H. greenii were bornyl acetate (31.32%), α-pinene (14.49%), camphene (12.81%) and limonene (10.55%), whereas H. gracile was dominated by β-pinene (25.24%), γ-terpinene (24.62%), terpinen-4-ol (14.87%) and 1,8-cineole (7.51%). Essential oils were assessed for antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. H. greenii oil exhibited stronger antioxidant potential as compared to H. gracile oil and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Thus, H. greenii rhizome oil has the potential to be used as an alternative source of antioxidant.     

Investigation of skin secretory peptidome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rana lessonae</Emphasis> frog by mass spectrometry

Amphibian skin secretion represents a cerain scientific interest as a source of biologically active natural peptides. In the present research skin peptidome of wide-spread European frog Rana lessonae (Camerano, 1882) was studied for the first time ever. Peptide sequencing was accomplished with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer in collision-induced and electron capture dissociation modes. A portion of amphibian peptides contains intramolecular C-terminal disulfide cycle which obstructs mass spectrometric sequencing. Two methods were utilized to overcome this difficulty: reduction with dithiotreithol followed by thiol group alkylation and oxidation into sulfonic acid groups with performic acid. Integrated approach employed in the present study allowed the identification of 49 peptides (of 6 to 37 amino acid residues), including 19 novel species.     

Synthesis and biological properties of p-azidophenylalanine13-β-melanotropin,a potent photoaffinity label for MSH receptors

p-Azidophenylalanine¹³-α-melantropin ([Pap¹³]-α-MSH) was synthesized in homogeneous solution by the fragment condensation method, and its biological activity was determined in three different assay systems. The pigment-dispersing activity relative to α-MSH was 65%, measured with melanophores of Rana pipiens or of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. The tyrosinase-stimulating activity was 50%, determined with cultured mouse melanoma cells. UV. irradiation of solutions containing ≤10^?4_M[Pap¹³]-α-MSH at 338 nm (intensity: 10^?3 W · cm^?2) led to complete photolysis of the photolabel within <20 min. Under these conditions [Pap¹³]-α-MSH was covalently inserted into MSH-receptors which produced a longlasting pigment dispersion in Xenopus melanphores (see [3]). The extent of this prolonged stimulation depended on the hormone concentration used during photolysis. 1.8·10^?9_M [Pap¹³]-α-MSH which produced a full initial response failed to prolong the effect, whereas 1.2·10^?8_M hormone caused irreversible stimulation. It appears that only about 10% of the initially occupied receptors were covalently labelled because the log dose response curve was shifted to ～ 10x higher concentration after a 200 min wash period: EC₅₀ immediately after photolysis was 6 · 10^?10_M; after 200 min EC₅₀ increased to ～8·10^?9_M.     

Protective Effect of Tropical Highland Blackberry Juice (Rubus adenotrichos Schltdl.) Against UVB‐Mediated Damage in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes and in a Reconstituted Skin Equivalent Model

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly its UVB (280–320 nm) spectrum, is the primary environmental stimulus leading to skin carcinogenesis. Several botanical species with antioxidant properties have shown photochemopreventive effects against UVB damage. Costa Rica's tropical highland blackberry (Rubus adenotrichos) contains important levels of phenolic compounds, mainly ellagitannins and anthocyanins, with strong antioxidant properties. In this study, we examined the photochemopreventive effect of R. adenotrichos blackberry juice (BBJ) on UVB‐mediated responses in human epidermal keratinocytes and in a three‐dimensional (3D) reconstituted normal human skin equivalent (SE). Pretreatment (2 h) and posttreatment (24 h) of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) with BBJ reduced UVB (25 mJ cm^?2)‐mediated (1) cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (2) 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG) formation. Furthermore, treatment of NHEKs with BBJ increased UVB‐mediated (1) poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and (2) activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9. Thus, BBJ seems to alleviate UVB‐induced effects by reducing DNA damage and increasing apoptosis of damaged cells. To establish the in vivo significance of these findings to human skin, immunohistochemistry studies were performed in a 3D SE model, where BBJ was also found to decrease CPDs formation. These data suggest that BBJ may be developed as an agent to ameliorate UV‐induced skin damage.     

Novel natural peptides from Hyla arborea schelkownikowi skin secretion

Hyla arborea schelkownikowi is one of the leaf frog species inhabiting the southern territories of Russia and the former USSR. This frog species is a member of the Hylidae Rafinesque, 1815 batrachians family. The present study deals with the previously uninvestigated peptidome of the Hyla arborea schelkownikowi skin secretion. Nano‐electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (nanoESI‐FTMS) of the skin secretion, in the intact form and after acetylation, was selected as the general method of analysis. Electron‐capture dissociation (ECD) and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation were both employed, while de novo sequencing was performed by manual interpretation of the MS data. The suppression of the cyclization of b‐ions in the mass spectrometer by the acetylation reaction proved to be very efficient for the de novo sequencing of short peptides. Ten skin peptides were found and all of them, except for bradykinin, had not previously been reported. Six of the peptides belong to the tryptophyllins and related peptides, while three peptides are similar to the aureins. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS, RUBISCO ACTIVITY and RUBISCO PROTEIN OF Arabidopsis thaliana EXPOSED TO UVB and OZONE

Abstract— The effect of UVB (280–320 nm radiation) and ozone (O₃) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) activity and rubisco protein were investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes wild type Landsberg erecta (LER) and tt5, a flavonoid-deficient mutant. The UVB exposure for 5 days decreased whole plant dry weight of only tt5 plants, while O₃ exposure decreased the whole plant dry weight of both genotypes. The UVB exposure enhanced chlorophylls and carotenoids in both genotypes while O₃ exposure decreased photosynthetic pigments in both genotypes. Both UVB and 0₃ exposure enhanced UV-absorbing compounds in LER but not in tt5. Ultraviolet-B exposure decreased initial and total rubisco activities only in tt5 plants, which contained smaller amounts of UV-absorbing pigments. The effect of UVB was greater on initial rubisco activity resulting in decreased percent activatible rubisco. Ozone exposure decreased initial and total rubisco activities in both genotypes, and the magnitudes of decrease were greater on total rubisco activity, resulting in enhanced levels of percent activatible rubisco. Immunoblot analysis performed with antibodies raised against rubisco large subunit (LSU) and rubisco small subunit (SSU) showed no major changes in the levels of rubisco protein of either genotype irradiated with UVB. However, both rubisco LSU and SSU decreased in tt5 plants exposed to UVB for 7 days (70% of total leaf area necrotic). In contrast, O₃ exposure of both the genotypes decreased the levels of rubisco LSU and SSU before the appearance of visible symptoms of injury. These results suggested that UVB-induced limitations of growth are independent of changes in rubisco protein while O₃-induced growth limitations appeared to be due to a significant reduction in rubisco protein.     

Photoprotective Effects of a Formulation Containing Tannase-Converted Green Tea Extract Against UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress in Hairless Mice

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation may induce the acceleration of skin aging. The purpose of this study was to develop an effective formulation containing tannase-converted green tea extract (FTGE) to inhibit UVB-induced oxidative damage. Significant (p < 0.05) prevention of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) depletion was observed in mice treated with FTGE. The hydrogen peroxide levels of mice treated with FTGE were similar to those of UVB non-irradiated mice. No significant difference was observed between No UVB control and FTGE mice. Also, mice treated with FTGE had significant (p < 0.05) decreases in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels by lipid peroxidation compared with No UVB control mice. Our data suggest that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin from UVB photodamage.     

OZONE EXPOSURE DECREASES UVB SENSITIVITY IN A UVB-SENSITIVE FLAVONOID MUTANT OF Arabidopsis

Abstract— The impact of sequential exposure to ozone (O₃) and UVB (290–320 nm) was studied using two genotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana differing in UVB sensitivity. The negative impact of UVB on dry matter production and photosynthetic pigments was absent in the ecotype Landsberg erecta (LER), while the negative impact of UVB was more pronounced when LER plants preexposed to O₃ were irradiated with UVB. However, the growth of tt5 plants (a mutant virtually incapable of synthesizing flavonoids) was significantly affected by the UVB exposures, while the impact of UVB was significantly counteracted when tt5 plants pre-exposed to O₃ were irradiated with UVB. These results suggest that pre-exposure to O₃ decreased sensitivity of tt5 but increased sensitivity of LER to UVB. Concentrations of UV-absorptive compounds were almost the same in plants exposed to UVB alone or sequentially to O₃ and UVB. Exposures of LER and tt5 to UVB enhanced both ascorbic acid and glutathione as well as their redox state compared to control plants. Pre-exposure to O₃ enhanced the total ascorbic acid and glutathione as well as the redox state of ascorbate and glutathione in tt5 but decreased the redox state in LER. Irradiation of plants pre-exposed to O₃ with UVB enhanced the redox state of ascorbate and glutathione slightly in tt5 but decreased it further in LER. The high redox state of ascorbate and glutathione in tt5 pre-exposed to O₃ would have protected plants from UVB and decreased their sensitivity to UVB in spite of their inability to synthesize flavonoids. The decreased redox state in O₃-exposed LER plants would have enhanced their sensitivity to UVB. These results suggest that O₃ influences plant response to UVB in environments enriched with both O₃ and UVB.     

Expression of the DNA Repair Enzyme, Photolyase, in Developmental Tissues and Larvae, and in Response to Ambient UV-R in the Antarctic Sea Urchin Sterechinus neumayeri

Gene expression of the DNA repair enzyme, photolyase (E.C. 4.1.99.3) was examined in the gonads, eggs, embryos and larval stages of the Antarctic sea urchin, Sterechinus neumayeri . Partial sequencing of the gene revealed two highly conserved regions, including a 300 bp region representing the binding site for the cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide. The second 1200 bp region, likely representing a second light-harvesting cofactor binding site, was identified in a second sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus frascicanus . Probes for photolyase were developed from the shorter sequence, and expression in sea urchin developmental tissue and stages, and in response to in situ exposure to ultraviolet radiation was quantified using PCR and RT-qPCR, with concentrations of photolyase normalized to actin concentrations. Photolyase was expressed in all tissues and developmental stages examined. In controlled field-based experiments in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, we found evidence of both constitutive expression of photolyase and induction in response to in situ exposure of embryos to UV-R. Induction of photolyase was observed in response to greater ambient UV-R (such as shallower water depths or sea ice-free regions).