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 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]
^Frank K. McKinney.
"The Bryozoa". International Bryozoology Association. Archived from
the original on 2006-12-13. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
^
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.
Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 325–333
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 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]
^Frank K. McKinney.
"The Bryozoa". International Bryozoology Association. Archived from
the original on 2006-12-13. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
^
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.
Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 325–333