Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators.
Nat Commun
; 8(1): 1495, 2017 11 14.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29138448
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.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Anuros
/
Péptidos
/
Conducta Predatoria
/
Toxinas Biológicas
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nat Commun
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
CIENCIA
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Bélgica