1
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Stadlmayr S, Peter K, Millesi F, Rad A, Wolf S, Mero S, Zehl M, Mentler A, Gusenbauer C, Konnerth J, Schniepp HC, Lichtenegger H, Naghilou A, Radtke C. Comparative Analysis of Various Spider Silks in Regard to Nerve Regeneration: Material Properties and Schwann Cell Response. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302968. [PMID: 38079208 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve reconstruction through the employment of nerve guidance conduits with Trichonephila dragline silk as a luminal filling has emerged as an outstanding preclinical alternative to avoid nerve autografts. Yet, it remains unknown whether the outcome is similar for silk fibers harvested from other spider species. This study compares the regenerative potential of dragline silk from two orb-weaving spiders, Trichonephila inaurata and Nuctenea umbratica, as well as the silk of the jumping spider Phidippus regius. Proliferation, migration, and transcriptomic state of Schwann cells seeded on these silks are investigated. In addition, fiber morphology, primary protein structure, and mechanical properties are studied. The results demonstrate that the increased velocity of Schwann cells on Phidippus regius fibers can be primarily attributed to the interplay between the silk's primary protein structure and its mechanical properties. Furthermore, the capacity of silk fibers to trigger cells toward a gene expression profile of a myelinating Schwann cell phenotype is shown. The findings for the first time allow an in-depth comparison of the specific cellular response to various native spider silks and a correlation with the fibers' material properties. This knowledge is essential to open up possibilities for targeted manufacturing of synthetic nervous tissue replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stadlmayr
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karolina Peter
- Institute for Physics and Materials Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Flavia Millesi
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anda Rad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Sonja Wolf
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Sascha Mero
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Martin Zehl
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Axel Mentler
- Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Claudia Gusenbauer
- Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Tulln an der Donau, 3430, Austria
| | - Johannes Konnerth
- Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Tulln an der Donau, 3430, Austria
| | - Hannes C Schniepp
- Department of Applied Science, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, USA
| | - Helga Lichtenegger
- Institute for Physics and Materials Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Aida Naghilou
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Radtke
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Hopfe C, Ospina-Jara B, Schulze T, Tischer M, Morales D, Reinhartz V, Esfahani RE, Valderrama C, Pérez-Rigueiro J, Bleidorn C, Feldhaar H, Cabra-García J, Scheibel T. Impact of environmental factors on spider silk properties. Curr Biol 2024; 34:56-67.e5. [PMID: 38118450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Spider orb webs have evolved to stop flying prey, fast and slow alike. One of the main web elements dissipating impact energy is the radial fibers, or major ampullate silks, which possess a toughness surpassing most man-made materials. Orb webs are extended phenotypes, and as such their architectural elements, including major ampullate silks, have been selected to optimize prey capture under the respective environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the correlation of three landscape scales and three microhabitat characteristics with intrinsic silk properties (elastic modulus, yield stress, tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness) to understand underlying ecological patterns. For this purpose, we collected and mechanically tested major ampullate silks from 50 spider species inhabiting large altitudinal and climatic gradients in Colombia. Using regression analysis and model selection, we investigated the environmental drivers of inter- and intra-specific patterns of major ampullate silk properties, taking into account phylogenetic relatedness based on newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes. We found that the total amount of energy absorbed, i.e., toughness and tensile strength, is higher for fibers from species inhabiting regions where heavy rainfall is common. Interestingly, we observe the same general trend between individuals of the same species, stressing the importance of this environmental driver. We also observe a phylogenetic conservation in the relation of environmental variables with silk tensile strength and yield stress. In conclusion, the increase in major ampullate silk tensile strength and toughness may reflect an adaptation to prevent frequent rain damage to orb webs and the associated energetic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hopfe
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany.
| | - Bryan Ospina-Jara
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Thilo Schulze
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Marta Tischer
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Diego Morales
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Vivien Reinhartz
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Rashin Eshghi Esfahani
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Carlos Valderrama
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Rosario, Cl. 12c #6-25, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
| | - José Pérez-Rigueiro
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Crta. M40, Madrid 28223, Spain; Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Prof. Aranguren 3, Madrid 28040, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid 28029, Spain; Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), C/ Prof. Martín Lagos s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Christoph Bleidorn
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Jimmy Cabra-García
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cl. 13 #100-00, Cali 760042, Colombia
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department of Biomaterials, Universität Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth 95447, Germany; Bayreuther Zentrum für Kolloide und Grenzflächen, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayreuther Materialzentrum, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayreuther Zentrum für Molekulare Biowissenschaften, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany; Bayrisches Polymerinstitut, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany.
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3
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Agnarsson I. Biomechanics: Rain yields tougher spider silks. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R30-R33. [PMID: 38194927 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Broad ecological sampling of spider silks from multiple species shows that the biomechanical properties of spider silk reflect the habitat in which their orb webs are built. Silk toughness is highest in habitats with dense rain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingi Agnarsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA; School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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4
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Rapid molecular diversification and homogenization of clustered major ampullate silk genes in Argiope garden spiders. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010537. [PMID: 36508456 PMCID: PMC9779670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary diversification of orb-web weaving spiders is closely tied to the mechanical performance of dragline silk. This proteinaceous fiber provides the primary structural framework of orb web architecture, and its extraordinary toughness allows these structures to absorb the high energy of aerial prey impact. The dominant model of dragline silk molecular structure involves the combined function of two highly repetitive, spider-specific, silk genes (spidroins)-MaSp1 and MaSp2. Recent genomic studies, however, have suggested this framework is overly simplistic, and our understanding of how MaSp genes evolve is limited. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of MaSp structural and evolutionary diversity across species of Argiope (garden spiders). This genomic analysis reveals the largest catalog of MaSp genes found in any spider, driven largely by an expansion of MaSp2 genes. The rapid diversification of Argiope MaSp genes, located primarily in a single genomic cluster, is associated with profound changes in silk gene structure. MaSp2 genes, in particular, have evolved complex hierarchically organized repeat units (ensemble repeats) delineated by novel introns that exhibit remarkable evolutionary dynamics. These repetitive introns have arisen independently within the genus, are highly homogenized within a gene, but diverge rapidly between genes. In some cases, these iterated introns are organized in an alternating structure in which every other intron is nearly identical in sequence. We hypothesize that this intron structure has evolved to facilitate homogenization of the coding sequence. We also find evidence of intergenic gene conversion and identify a more diverse array of stereotypical amino acid repeats than previously recognized. Overall, the extreme diversification found among MaSp genes requires changes in the structure-function model of dragline silk performance that focuses on the differential use and interaction among various MaSp paralogs as well as the impact of ensemble repeat structure and different amino acid motifs on mechanical behavior.
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5
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Abstract
Spiders (Araneae) make up a remarkably diverse lineage of predators that have successfully colonized most terrestrial ecosystems. All spiders produce silk, and many species use it to build capture webs with an extraordinary diversity of forms. Spider diversity is distributed in a highly uneven fashion across lineages. This strong imbalance in species richness has led to several causal hypotheses, such as codiversification with insects, key innovations in silk structure and web architecture, and loss of foraging webs. Recent advances in spider phylogenetics have allowed testing of some of these hypotheses, but results are often contradictory, highlighting the need to consider additional drivers of spider diversification. The spatial and historical patterns of diversity and diversification remain contentious. Comparative analyses of spider diversification will advance only if we continue to make progress with studies of species diversity, distribution, and phenotypic traits, together with finer-scale phylogenies and genomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Dimitrov
- Department of Natural History, University Museum of Bergen, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Gustavo Hormiga
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
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6
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Viera C, Garcia LF, Lacava M, Fang J, Wang X, Kasumovic MM, Blamires SJ. Silk physico-chemical variability and mechanical robustness facilitates intercontinental invasibility of a spider. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13273. [PMID: 31519928 PMCID: PMC6744404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49463-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There are substantive problems associated with invasive species, including threats to endemic organisms and biodiversity. Understanding the mechanisms driving invasions is thus critical. Variable extended phenotypes may enable animals to invade into novel environments. We explored here the proposition that silk variability is a facilitator of invasive success for the highly invasive Australian house spider, Badumna longinqua. We compared the physico-chemical and mechanical properties and underlying gene expressions of its major ampullate (MA) silk between a native Sydney population and an invasive counterpart from Montevideo, Uruguay. We found that while differential gene expressions might explain the differences in silk amino acid compositions and protein nanostructures, we did not find any significant differences in silk mechanical properties across the populations. Our results accordingly suggest that B. longinqua’s silk remains functionally robust despite underlying physico-chemical and genetic variability as the spider expands its range across continents. They also imply that a combination of silk physico-chemical plasticity combined with mechanical robustness might contribute more broadly to spider invasibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Viera
- Entomología, Universidad de la República de Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratorio Ecología del Comportamiento (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis F Garcia
- Centro Universitario Regional del Este, Sede Treinta y Tres, Universidad de la República, Treinta y Tres, Uruguay
| | - Mariángeles Lacava
- Laboratorio Ecología del Comportamiento (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Centro Universitario de Rivera, Universidad de la República, Rivera, Uruguay
| | - Jian Fang
- Deakin University, Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, 3220, Australia
| | - Xungai Wang
- Deakin University, Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, 3220, Australia
| | - Michael M Kasumovic
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sean J Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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7
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Jung D, Yang YJ, Cha HJ. Novel In Silico Analyses of Repetitive Spider Silk Sequences to Understand the Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Fibrous Protein Materials. Biotechnol J 2019; 14:e1900138. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201900138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dooyup Jung
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology Pohang 37673 Korea
| | - Yun Jung Yang
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology Pohang 37673 Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Cha
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology Pohang 37673 Korea
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8
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Lacava M, Camargo A, Garcia LF, Benamú MA, Santana M, Fang J, Wang X, Blamires SJ. Web building and silk properties functionally covary among species of wolf spider. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:968-978. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariángeles Lacava
- Centro Universitario de Rivera Universidad de la República Rivera Uruguay
- Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE) Universidad de la República Treinta y Tres Uruguay
| | - Arley Camargo
- Centro Universitario de Rivera Universidad de la República Rivera Uruguay
| | - Luis F. Garcia
- Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE) Universidad de la República Treinta y Tres Uruguay
- Laboratorio Ecología del Comportamiento (IIBCE) Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Marco A. Benamú
- Centro Universitario de Rivera Universidad de la República Rivera Uruguay
- Laboratorio Ecología del Comportamiento (IIBCE) Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Martin Santana
- Laboratorio Ecología del Comportamiento (IIBCE) Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Jian Fang
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Xungai Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) Deakin University Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Sean J. Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
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9
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Cheng DQ, Piel WH. The origins of the Psechridae: Web-building lycosoid spiders. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 125:213-219. [PMID: 29635024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Psechrids are an enigmatic family of S.E. Asian spiders. This small family builds sheet webs and even orb webs, yet unlike other orb weavers, its putative relatives are largely cursorial lycosoids - a superfamily of approximately seven spider families related to wolf spiders. The orb web was invented at least twice: first in a very ancient event, and then second, within this clade of wolf-like spiders that reinvented this ability. Exactly how the spiders modified their silks, anatomy, and behaviors to accomplish this transition requires that we identify their precise evolutionary origins - yet, thus far, molecular phylogenies show poor support and considerable disagreement. Using phylogenomic methods based on whole body transcriptomes for psechrids and their putative relatives, we have recovered a well-supported phylogeny that places the Psechridae sister to the Ctenidae - a family of mostly cursorial habits but that, as with all psechrids, retains some cribellate species. Although this position reinforces the prevailing view that orb weaving in psechrids is largely a consequence of convergence, it is still possible that some components of this behavior are retained or resurrected in common with more distant true orb weaving ancestors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Qiang Cheng
- Yale-NUS College, 10 College Avenue West #01-101, Singapore 138609, Singapore
| | - William H Piel
- Yale-NUS College, 10 College Avenue West #01-101, Singapore 138609, Singapore; National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences, Singapore.
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10
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Wolff JO, van der Meijden A, Herberstein ME. Distinct spinning patterns gain differentiated loading tolerance of silk thread anchorages in spiders with different ecology. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1124. [PMID: 28724739 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Building behaviour in animals extends biological functions beyond bodies. Many studies have emphasized the role of behavioural programmes, physiology and extrinsic factors for the structure and function of buildings. Structure attachments associated with animal constructions offer yet unrealized research opportunities. Spiders build a variety of one- to three-dimensional structures from silk fibres. The evolution of economic web shapes as a key for ecological success in spiders has been related to the emergence of high performance silks and thread coating glues. However, the role of thread anchorages has been widely neglected in those models. Here, we show that orb-web (Araneidae) and hunting spiders (Sparassidae) use different silk application patterns that determine the structure and robustness of the joint in silk thread anchorages. Silk anchorages of orb-web spiders show a greater robustness against different loading situations, whereas the silk anchorages of hunting spiders have their highest pull-off resistance when loaded parallel to the substrate along the direction of dragline spinning. This suggests that the behavioural 'printing' of silk into attachment discs along with spinneret morphology was a prerequisite for the evolution of extended silk use in a three-dimensional space. This highlights the ecological role of attachments in the evolution of animal architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas O Wolff
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, No. 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Marie E Herberstein
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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11
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Wolff JO, Wells D, Reid CR, Blamires SJ. Clarity of objectives and working principles enhances the success of biomimetic programs. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2017; 12:051001. [PMID: 28820140 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aa86ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetics, the transfer of functional principles from living systems into product designs, is increasingly being utilized by engineers. Nevertheless, recurring problems must be overcome if it is to avoid becoming a short-lived fad. Here we assess the efficiency and suitability of methods typically employed by examining three flagship examples of biomimetic design approaches from different disciplines: (1) the creation of gecko-inspired adhesives; (2) the synthesis of spider silk, and (3) the derivation of computer algorithms from natural self-organizing systems. We find that identification of the elemental working principles is the most crucial step in the biomimetic design process. It bears the highest risk of failure (e.g. losing the target function) due to false assumptions about the working principle. Common problems that hamper successful implementation are: (i) a discrepancy between biological functions and the desired properties of the product, (ii) uncertainty about objectives and applications, (iii) inherent limits in methodologies, and (iv) false assumptions about the biology of the models. Projects that aim for multi-functional products are particularly challenging to accomplish. We suggest a simplification, modularisation and specification of objectives, and a critical assessment of the suitability of the model. Comparative analyses, experimental manipulation, and numerical simulations followed by tests of artificial models have led to the successful extraction of working principles. A searchable database of biological systems would optimize the choice of a model system in top-down approaches that start at an engineering problem. Only when biomimetic projects become more predictable will there be wider acceptance of biomimetics as an innovative problem-solving tool among engineers and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas O Wolff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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12
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Malay AD, Arakawa K, Numata K. Analysis of repetitive amino acid motifs reveals the essential features of spider dragline silk proteins. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183397. [PMID: 28832627 PMCID: PMC5568437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The extraordinary mechanical properties of spider dragline silk are dependent on the highly repetitive sequences of the component proteins, major ampullate spidroin 1 and 2 (MaSp2 and MaSp2). MaSp sequences are dominated by repetitive modules composed of short amino acid motifs; however, the patterns of motif conservation through evolution and their relevance to silk characteristics are not well understood. We performed a systematic analysis of MaSp sequences encompassing infraorder Araneomorphae based on the conservation of explicitly defined motifs, with the aim of elucidating the essential elements of MaSp1 and MaSp2. The results show that the GGY motif is nearly ubiquitous in the two types of MaSp, while MaSp2 is invariably associated with GP and di-glutamine (QQ) motifs. Further analysis revealed an extended MaSp2 consensus sequence in family Araneidae, with implications for the classification of the archetypal spidroins ADF3 and ADF4. Additionally, the analysis of RNA-seq data showed the expression of a set of distinct MaSp-like variants in genus Tetragnatha. Finally, an apparent association was uncovered between web architecture and the abundance of GP, QQ, and GGY motifs in MaSp2, which suggests a co-expansion of these motifs in response to the evolution of spiders' prey capture strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali D. Malay
- Enzyme Research Team, Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail: (ADM); (KN)
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Enzyme Research Team, Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail: (ADM); (KN)
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13
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Dionne J, Lefèvre T, Auger M. Major Ampullate Spider Silk with Indistinguishable Spidroin Dope Conformations Leads to Different Fiber Molecular Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1353. [PMID: 27548146 PMCID: PMC5000749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To plentifully benefit from its properties (mechanical, optical, biological) and its potential to manufacture green materials, the structure of spider silk has to be known accurately. To this aim, the major ampullate (MA) silk of Araneus diadematus (AD) and Nephila clavipes (NC) has been compared quantitatively in the liquid and fiber states using Raman spectromicroscopy. The data show that the spidroin conformations of the two dopes are indistinguishable despite their specific amino acid composition. This result suggests that GlyGlyX and GlyProGlyXX amino acid motifs (X = Leu, Glu, Tyr, Ser, etc.) are conformationally equivalent due to the chain flexibility in the aqueous environment. Species-related sequence specificity is expressed more extensively in the fiber: the β-sheet content is lower and width of the orientation distribution of the carbonyl groups is broader for AD (29% and 58°, respectively) as compared to NC (37% and 51°, respectively). β-Sheet content values are close to the proportion of polyalanine segments, suggesting that β-sheet formation is mainly dictated by the spidroin sequence. The extent of molecular alignment seems to be related to the presence of proline (Pro) that may decrease conformational flexibility and inhibit chain extension and alignment upon drawing. It appears that besides the presence of Pro, secondary structure and molecular orientation contribute to the different mechanical properties of MA threads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Dionne
- Regroupement québécois de Recherche sur la Fonction, l'Ingénierie et les Applications des Protéines (PROTEO), Centre de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés (CERMA), Centre Québécois sur les Matériaux Fonctionnels (CQMF), Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, Ville de Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Regroupement québécois de Recherche sur la Fonction, l'Ingénierie et les Applications des Protéines (PROTEO), Centre de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés (CERMA), Centre Québécois sur les Matériaux Fonctionnels (CQMF), Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, Ville de Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Michèle Auger
- Regroupement québécois de Recherche sur la Fonction, l'Ingénierie et les Applications des Protéines (PROTEO), Centre de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés (CERMA), Centre Québécois sur les Matériaux Fonctionnels (CQMF), Département de Chimie, Université Laval, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, Ville de Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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14
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Soler A, Zaera R. The secondary frame in spider orb webs: the detail that makes the difference. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31265. [PMID: 27507613 PMCID: PMC4978998 DOI: 10.1038/srep31265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider orb webs are multifunctional structures, the main function of which is to dissipate the kinetic energy of the impacting prey, while minimizing structural damage. There is no single explanation for their remarkable strength and ductility. However, it is clear that topology is decisive in the structural performance upon impact, and the arrangement of the different silk threads in the web must also exert an effect. The aim of this study is to show how a slight variation in the geometry markedly affects the prey-capture ability of spider orb webs. The study is focused on the secondary frame, a thread interposed between radial and primary frame strands, the importance of which has not been examined until now. The simulation of the impact performance of webs using different lengths of the secondary frame clarifies its structural role, which has proven to be decisive. Furthermore, the study explains why secondary frame threads of moderate length, as commonly encountered, enable the capture of prey with higher energy without a marked increase in the volume of silk used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Soler
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Zaera
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Department of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Lin S, Ryu S, Tokareva O, Gronau G, Jacobsen MM, Huang W, Rizzo DJ, Li D, Staii C, Pugno NM, Wong JY, Kaplan DL, Buehler MJ. Predictive modelling-based design and experiments for synthesis and spinning of bioinspired silk fibres. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6892. [PMID: 26017575 PMCID: PMC4996357 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Scalable computational modelling tools are required to guide the rational design of complex hierarchical materials with predictable functions. Here, we utilize mesoscopic modelling, integrated with genetic block copolymer synthesis and bioinspired spinning process, to demonstrate de novo materials design that incorporates chemistry, processing and material characterization. We find that intermediate hydrophobic/hydrophilic block ratios observed in natural spider silks and longer chain lengths lead to outstanding silk fibre formation. This design by nature is based on the optimal combination of protein solubility, self-assembled aggregate size and polymer network topology. The original homogeneous network structure becomes heterogeneous after spinning, enhancing the anisotropic network connectivity along the shear flow direction. Extending beyond the classical polymer theory, with insights from the percolation network model, we illustrate the direct proportionality between network conductance and fibre Young's modulus. This integrated approach provides a general path towards de novo functional network materials with enhanced mechanical properties and beyond (optical, electrical or thermal) as we have experimentally verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangchao Lin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering Program, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, USA
| | - Seunghwa Ryu
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-338, Korea
| | - Olena Tokareva
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Greta Gronau
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Institute for Particle Technology, Technische Universitat Braunschweig, Braunschweig 38104, Germany
| | - Matthew M Jacobsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Daniel J Rizzo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Center for Nanoscopic Physics, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - David Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Cristian Staii
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Center for Nanoscopic Physics, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired and Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, I-38123 Trento, Italy
- Centre for Materials and Microsystems, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Trento, Italy
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Joyce Y Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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16
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Gregorič M, Agnarsson I, Blackledge TA, Kuntner M. Phylogenetic position and composition of Zygiellinae andCaerostris, with new insight into orb-web evolution and gigantism. Zool J Linn Soc 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Gregorič
- Institute of Biology; Scientific Research Centre; Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts; Novi trg 2 P. O. Box 306 SI-1001 Ljubljana Slovenia
- Integrated Bioscience Program; Department of Biology; University of Akron; Akron OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Ingi Agnarsson
- Department of Biology; University of Vermont; Burlington VT USA
- Department of Entomology; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, DC USA
| | - Todd A. Blackledge
- Integrated Bioscience Program; Department of Biology; University of Akron; Akron OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Matjaž Kuntner
- Institute of Biology; Scientific Research Centre; Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts; Novi trg 2 P. O. Box 306 SI-1001 Ljubljana Slovenia
- Department of Entomology; National Museum of Natural History; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, DC USA
- Centre for Behavioural Ecology and Evolution; College of Life Sciences; Hubei University; Wuhan Hubei China
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17
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Conti E, Barbagallo E, Battiato S, Marletta A, Costa G, Samperi F. Do habitat features affect the composition of silk proteins by Namibian arid-adapted Ariadnaspiders (Araneae: Segestriidae)? ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2015; 82:48-60. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2014.975288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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18
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Correa-Garhwal SM, Garb JE. Diverse Formulas for Spider Dragline Fibers Demonstrated by Molecular and Mechanical Characterization of Spitting Spider Silk. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:4598-605. [DOI: 10.1021/bm501409n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Correa-Garhwal
- Department of Biological
Sciences, University of Massachusetts—Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
| | - Jessica E. Garb
- Department of Biological
Sciences, University of Massachusetts—Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
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