The earthworm Microscolex phosphoreus (Dugès, 1837), which was first described with specimens from Jardin des plantes de Montpellier in France, is one of the cosmopolitan luminous species [1]. This worm exudes yellow-greenish glowing mucus (λmax=527 nm) when stimulated mechanically or chemically. Its ecological function and mechanism of the luminescence remain unclear [2]. To clarify these questions, we established culturing method and examined the protein analysis. Protein mass spectrometry and transcriptomic analysis of the chloragogen tissue suggested that a 125 kDa protein is involved in the luminescence reaction.

[1] Wampler, J. E. (1982). The bioluminescence system of Microscolex phosphoreus and its similarities to those of other bioluminescent earthworms (Oligochaeta). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 71(4), 599-604.

[2] Wampler, J. E., & Jamieson, B. G. (1986). Cell bound bioluminescence from Pontodrilus bermudensis, and its similarities to other earthworm bioluminescence. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 84(1), 81-87.