Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators.
Nat Commun
; 8(1): 1495, 2017 11 14.
Article
em 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
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Anuros
/
Peptídeos
/
Comportamento Predatório
/
Toxinas Biológicas
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nat Commun
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
CIENCIA
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Bélgica