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Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators

Animals using toxic peptides and proteins for predation or defense typically depend on specialized morphological structures, like fangs, spines, or a stinger, for effective intoxication. Here we show that amphibian poisons instead incorporate their own molecular system for toxin delivery to attackin...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Raaymakers, Constantijn, Verbrugghe, Elin, Hernot, Sophie, Hellebuyck, Tom, Betti, Cecilia, Peleman, Cindy, Claeys, Myriam, Bert, Wim, Caveliers, Vicky, Ballet, Steven, Martel, An, Pasmans, Frank, Roelants, Kim
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Nature Publishing Group UK 2017
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5686178/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29138448
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01710-1
Descripción
Sumario:Animals using toxic peptides and proteins for predation or defense typically depend on specialized morphological structures, like fangs, spines, or a stinger, for effective intoxication. Here we show that amphibian poisons instead incorporate their own molecular system for toxin delivery to attacking predators. Skin-secreted peptides, generally considered part of the amphibian immune system, permeabilize oral epithelial tissue and enable fast access of cosecreted toxins to the predator’s bloodstream and organs. This absorption-enhancing system exists in at least three distantly related frog lineages and is likely to be a widespread adaptation, determining the outcome of predator–prey encounters in hundreds of species.