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

Author

Listed:
  • Constantijn Raaymakers

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Ghent University)

  • Elin Verbrugghe

    (Ghent University)

  • Sophie Hernot

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Tom Hellebuyck

    (Ghent University)

  • Cecilia Betti

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Cindy Peleman

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Myriam Claeys

    (Ghent University)

  • Wim Bert

    (Ghent University)

  • Vicky Caveliers

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Steven Ballet

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • An Martel

    (Ghent University)

  • Frank Pasmans

    (Ghent University)

  • Kim Roelants

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Constantijn Raaymakers & Elin Verbrugghe & Sophie Hernot & Tom Hellebuyck & Cecilia Betti & Cindy Peleman & Myriam Claeys & Wim Bert & Vicky Caveliers & Steven Ballet & An Martel & Frank Pasmans & Kim, 2017. "Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-01710-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01710-1
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