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Anthony CJ, Bentlage B, Helm RR. Animal evolution at the ocean's water-air interface. Curr Biol 2024; 34:196-203.e2. [PMID: 38194916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Innovation is a key to evolutionary success and entrance into novel ecosystems.1 Species that float freely at the ocean's surface, termed obligate neuston (also called pleuston, here referred to simply as neuston), include highly specialized taxa from distinct evolutionary lineages that evolved floating morphologies.2 In 1958, Soviet scientist, A.I. Savilov,3 stated that floating animal species are derived from benthic ancestors, rather than species from the adjacent pelagic zone, and that floating morphologies are homologous to benthic attachment structures. To test Savilov's hypothesis, we constructed molecular phylogenies and ancestral states for all major floating groups for which molecular data were available. Our results reveal that four of the five clades examined arose directly from a substrate-attached ancestor, although that substrate was not necessarily the benthos, as Savilov stated, and instead included epibiotic and rafting ancestors. Despite their diverse evolutionary origins, floating animals use gas-trapping mechanisms to remain at the surface,4,5,6 and many of these gas-trapping structures appear to be homologous to substrate attachment structures. We also reconstruct the trophic habits of floating mollusks and their sister species, revealing that prey preference remains conserved upon entering the ocean's surface ecosystem. Colonization of the ocean's surface seems to have occurred through successive evolutionary steps from the seafloor. Our results suggest that these steps often included transitions through epibiotic (where species attach to other living organisms) or rafting (where species attach to floating debris) habits. The water-air interface, despite its unique properties, may, in some ways, be just another substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Anthony
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam 96913, USA
| | - Bastian Bentlage
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam 96913, USA
| | - Rebecca R Helm
- Earth Commons Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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2
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Hua J, Su M, Sun X, Li J, Sun Y, Qiu H, Shi Y, Pan L. Hydrogel-Based Bioelectronics and Their Applications in Health Monitoring. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:696. [PMID: 37504095 PMCID: PMC10377104 DOI: 10.3390/bios13070696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Flexible bioelectronics exhibit promising potential for health monitoring, owing to their soft and stretchable nature. However, the simultaneous improvement of mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and signal-to-noise ratio of these devices for health monitoring poses a significant challenge. Hydrogels, with their loose three-dimensional network structure that encapsulates massive amounts of water, are a potential solution. Through the incorporation of polymers or conductive fillers into the hydrogel and special preparation methods, hydrogels can achieve a unification of excellent properties such as mechanical properties, self-healing, adhesion, and biocompatibility, making them a hot material for health monitoring bioelectronics. Currently, hydrogel-based bioelectronics can be used to fabricate flexible bioelectronics for motion, bioelectric, and biomolecular acquisition for human health monitoring and further clinical applications. This review focuses on materials, devices, and applications for hydrogel-based bioelectronics. The main material properties and research advances of hydrogels for health monitoring bioelectronics are summarized firstly. Then, we provide a focused discussion on hydrogel-based bioelectronics for health monitoring, which are classified as skin-attachable, implantable, or semi-implantable depending on the depth of penetration and the location of the device. Finally, future challenges and opportunities of hydrogel-based bioelectronics for health monitoring are envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Hua
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Mengrui Su
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xidi Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jiean Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuqiong Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Lijia Pan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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3
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Xu Z, Liu Z, Zhang C, Xu D. Advance in barnacle cement with high underwater adhesion. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.52894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hebei University Baoding China
| | - Zhongcheng Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hebei University Baoding China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Donggang Xu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing China
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Lin HC, Wong YH, Sung CH, Chan BKK. Histology and transcriptomic analyses of barnacles with different base materials and habitats shed lights on the duplication and chemical diversification of barnacle cement proteins. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:783. [PMID: 34724896 PMCID: PMC8561864 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Barnacles are sessile crustaceans that attach to underwater surfaces using barnacle cement proteins. Barnacles have a calcareous or chitinous membranous base, and their substratum varies from biotic (e.g. corals/sponges) to abiotic surfaces. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the cement protein (CP) composition and chemical properties of different species vary according to the attachment substrate and/or the basal structure. We examined the histological structure of cement glands and explored the variations in cement protein homologs of 12 barnacle species with different attachment habitats and base materials. Results Cement gland cells in the rocky shore barnacles Tetraclita japonica formosana and Amphibalanus amphitrite are eosinophilic, while others are basophilic. Transcriptome analyses recovered CP homologs from all species except the scleractinian coral barnacle Galkinia sp. A phylogenomic analysis based on sequences of CP homologs did not reflect a clear phylogenetic pattern in attachment substrates. In some species, certain CPs have a remarkable number of paralogous sequences, suggesting that major duplication events occurred in CP genes. The examined CPs across taxa show consistent bias toward particular sets of amino acid. However, the predicted isoelectric point (pI) and hydropathy are highly divergent. In some species, conserved regions are highly repetitive. Conclusions Instead of developing specific cement proteins for different attachment substrata, barnacles attached to different substrata rely on a highly duplicated cementation genetic toolkit to generate paralogous CP sequences with diverse chemical and biochemical properties. This general CP cocktail might be the key genetic feature enabling barnacles to adapt to a wide variety of substrata. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08049-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Chin Lin
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, 80424, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yue Him Wong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chia-Hsuan Sung
- Planning and Information Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Keelung, Taiwan
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Abstract
Life on the ocean’s surface connects worlds. From shallow waters to the deep sea, the open ocean to rivers and lakes, numerous terrestrial and marine species depend on the surface ecosystem and the organisms found therein. Organisms that live freely at the surface, termed “neuston,” include keystone organisms like the golden seaweed Sargassum that makes up the Sargasso Sea, floating barnacles, snails, nudibranchs, and cnidarians. Many ecologically and economically important fish species live as or rely upon neuston. Species at the surface are not distributed uniformly; the ocean’s surface harbors unique neustonic communities and ecoregions found at only certain latitudes and only in specific ocean basins. But the surface is also on the front line of climate change and pollution. Despite the diversity and importance of the ocean’s surface in connecting disparate habitats, and the risks it faces, we know very little about neustonic life. This Essay will introduce you to the neuston, their connections to diverse habitats, the threats they face, and new opportunities for research and discovery at the air-sea interface. The mysterious ’neuston’ ecosystem at the ocean’s surface includes keystone organisms like the golden seaweed Sargassum that makes up the Sargasso Sea, floating barnacles, snails, nudibranchs, and cnidarians; this Essay explores threats to its wellbeing and the importance of further research.
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Davey PA, Power AM, Santos R, Bertemes P, Ladurner P, Palmowski P, Clarke J, Flammang P, Lengerer B, Hennebert E, Rothbächer U, Pjeta R, Wunderer J, Zurovec M, Aldred N. Omics-based molecular analyses of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1051-1075. [PMID: 33594824 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many aquatic invertebrates are associated with surfaces, using adhesives to attach to the substratum for locomotion, prey capture, reproduction, building or defence. Their intriguing and sophisticated biological glues have been the focus of study for decades. In all but a couple of specific taxa, however, the precise mechanisms by which the bioadhesives stick to surfaces underwater and (in many cases) harden have proved to be elusive. Since the bulk components are known to be based on proteins in most organisms, the opportunities provided by advancing 'omics technologies have revolutionised bioadhesion research. Time-consuming isolation and analysis of single molecules has been either replaced or augmented by the generation of massive data sets that describe the organism's translated genes and proteins. While these new approaches have provided resources and opportunities that have enabled physiological insights and taxonomic comparisons that were not previously possible, they do not provide the complete picture and continued multi-disciplinarity is essential. This review covers the various ways in which 'omics have contributed to our understanding of adhesion by aquatic invertebrates, with new data to illustrate key points. The associated challenges are highlighted and priorities are suggested for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Davey
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Anne Marie Power
- Ryan Institute, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Room 226, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Romana Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente (MARE), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Philip Bertemes
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Pawel Palmowski
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Jessica Clarke
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Birgit Lengerer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 23, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Ute Rothbächer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Robert Pjeta
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Julia Wunderer
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Michal Zurovec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Nick Aldred
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, U.K
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Steinbauer P, Rohatschek A, Andriotis O, Bouropoulos N, Liska R, Thurner PJ, Baudis S. Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy Reveals Adhesion-by-Demand in Statherin at the Protein-Hydroxyapatite Interface. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:13292-13300. [PMID: 33118809 PMCID: PMC7660943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Achieving strong adhesion in wet environments remains a technological challenge in biomedical applications demanding biocompatibility. Attention for adhesive motifs meeting such demands has largely been focused on marine organisms. However, bioadhesion to inorganic surfaces is also present in the human body, in the hard tissues of teeth and bones, and is mediated through serines (S). The specific amino acid sequence DpSpSEEKC has been previously suggested to be responsible for the strong binding abilities of the protein statherin to hydroxyapatite, where pS denotes phosphorylated serine. Notably, similar sequences are present in the non-collagenous bone protein osteopontin (OPN) and the mussel foot protein 5 (Mefp5). OPN has previously been shown to promote fracture toughness and physiological damage formation. Here, we investigated the adhesion strength of the motif D(pS)(pS)EEKC on substrates of hydroxyapatite, TiO2, and mica using atomic force microscopy (AFM) single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Specifically, we investigated the dependence of adhesion force on phosphorylation of serines by comparing findings with the unphosphorylated variant DSSEEKC. Our results show that high adhesion forces of over 1 nN on hydroxyapatite and on TiO2 are only present for the phosphorylated variant D(pS)(pS)EEKC. This warrants further exploitation of this motif or similar residues in technological applications. Further, the dependence of adhesion force on phosphorylation suggests that biological systems potentially employ an adhesion-by-demand mechanism via expression of enzymes that up- or down-regulate phosphorylation, to increase or decrease adhesion forces, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Steinbauer
- Christian
Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Institute
of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
| | - Andreas Rohatschek
- Institute
of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
- Biointerface
Doctorate School, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Orestis Andriotis
- Institute
of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
| | - Nikolaos Bouropoulos
- Department
of Materials Science, University of Patras, Rio Patras GR-26504, Greece
- Foundation
for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering
and High Temperature Chemical Processes, FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Robert Liska
- Institute
of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
- Biointerface
Doctorate School, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Philipp J. Thurner
- Institute
of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
- Biointerface
Doctorate School, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Stefan Baudis
- Christian
Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Institute
of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Austrian
Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna 1200, Austria
- Biointerface
Doctorate School, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
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8
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Böker KO, Richter K, Jäckle K, Taheri S, Grunwald I, Borcherding K, von Byern J, Hartwig A, Wildemann B, Schilling AF, Lehmann W. Current State of Bone Adhesives-Necessities and Hurdles. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E3975. [PMID: 31801225 PMCID: PMC6926991 DOI: 10.3390/ma12233975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vision of gluing two bone fragments with biodegradable and biocompatible adhesives remains highly fascinating and attractive to orthopedic surgeons. Possibly shorter operation times, better stabilization, lower infection rates, and unnecessary removal make this approach very appealing. After 30 years of research in this field, the first adhesive systems are now appearing in scientific reports that may fulfill the comprehensive requirements of bioadhesives for bone. For a successful introduction into clinical application, special requirements of the musculoskeletal system, challenges in the production of a bone adhesive, as well as regulatory hurdles still need to be overcome. In this article, we will give an overview of existing synthetic polymers, biomimetic, and bio-based adhesive approaches, review the regulatory hurdles they face, and discuss perspectives of how bone adhesives could be efficiently introduced into clinical application, including legal regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai O. Böker
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (K.J.); (S.T.); (A.F.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Katharina Richter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Wiener Straße 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (K.R.); (K.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Katharina Jäckle
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (K.J.); (S.T.); (A.F.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Shahed Taheri
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (K.J.); (S.T.); (A.F.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Industrial and Environmental Biology, Hochschule Bremen—City University of Applied Sciences, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Kai Borcherding
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Wiener Straße 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (K.R.); (K.B.); (A.H.)
| | - Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- Faculty of Life Science, University of Vienna, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Hartwig
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Wiener Straße 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (K.R.); (K.B.); (A.H.)
- Department 2 Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 3, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Britt Wildemann
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Arndt F. Schilling
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (K.J.); (S.T.); (A.F.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Wolfgang Lehmann
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (K.J.); (S.T.); (A.F.S.); (W.L.)
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Rocha M, Antas P, Castro LFC, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Pereira F, Cunha I. Comparative Analysis of the Adhesive Proteins of the Adult Stalked Goose Barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes (Cirripedia: Pedunculata). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 21:38-51. [PMID: 30413912 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-018-9856-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion in barnacles is still poorly understood. The cement gland secretes an insoluble multi-protein complex, which adheres very strongly to a variety of substrates in the presence of water. This adhesion mechanism is bioinspiring for the engineering of new adhesive materials, but to replicate this adhesive system, the genes coding for the cement constitutive proteins must be identified and elucidated, and their products characterised. Here, the complete sequences of three cement protein (CP) genes (CP-100K, CP-52K, and CP-19K) isolated from the cement gland of the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes (order Scalpelliformes) were obtained using RACE PCR. The three genes were compared to the 23 other acorn barnacle CP genes so far sequenced (order Sessilia) to determine common and differential patterns and molecular properties, since the adhesives of both orders have visibly different characteristics. A shotgun proteomic analysis was performed on the cement, excreted at the membranous base of specimens, where the products of the three genes sequenced in the gland were identified, validating their function as CPs. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, to cluster CPs into groups with similar amino acid composition. This analysis uncovered three CP groups, each characterised by similar residue composition, features in secondary structure, and some biochemical properties, including isoelectric point and residue accessibility to solvents. The similarity among proteins in each defined group was low despite comparable amino acid composition. PCA can identify putative adhesive proteins from NGS transcriptomic data regardless of their low homology. This analysis did not highlight significant differences in residue composition between homologous acorn and stalked barnacle CPs. The characteristics responsible for the structural differences between the cement of stalked and acorn barnacles are described, and the presence of nanostructures, such as repetitive homologous domains and low complexity regions, and repetitive β-sheets are discussed relatively to self-assembly and adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Rocha
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Antas
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - L Filipe C Castro
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Pereira
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Cunha
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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10
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von Byern J, Grunwald I, Kosok M, Saporito RA, Dicke U, Wetjen O, Thiel K, Borcherding K, Kowalik T, Marchetti-Deschmann M. Chemical characterization of the adhesive secretions of the salamander Plethodon shermani (Caudata, Plethodontidae). Sci Rep 2017; 7:6647. [PMID: 28751633 PMCID: PMC5532285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Salamanders have developed a wide variety of antipredator mechanisms, including tail autotomy, colour patterns, and noxious skin secretions. As an addition to these tactics, the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani) uses adhesive secretions as part of its defensive strategy. The high bonding strength, the fast-curing nature, and the composition of the biobased materials makes salamander adhesives interesting for practical applications in the medical sector. To understand the adhesive secretions of P. shermani, its components were chemically analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), amino acid analysis, and spectroscopy (ATR-IR, Raman). In addition, proteins were separated by gel-electrophoresis and selected spots were characterised by peptide mass fingerprinting. The salamander secretion contains a high amount of water and predominantly proteins (around 77% in the dry stage). The gel-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprint analyses revealed a de novo set of peptides/proteins, largely with a pI between 5.0 and 8.0 and a molecular mass distribution between 10 and 170 kDa. Only low homologies with other proteins present in known databases could be identified. The results indicate that the secretions of the salamander Plethodon clearly differ chemically from those shown for other glue-producing terrestrial or marine species and thus represent a unique glue system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Science, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Max Kosok
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Karlsplatz 13, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralph A Saporito
- John Carroll University, Department of Biology, University Heights, Ohio, 44118, USA
| | - Ursula Dicke
- University of Bremen, Brain Research Institute, Department of Behavioral Physiology, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Oliver Wetjen
- University of Bremen, Brain Research Institute, Department of Behavioral Physiology, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Karsten Thiel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai Borcherding
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kowalik
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Department of Adhesive Bonding Technology and Surfaces, Adhesives and Polymer Chemistry, Wiener Straße 12, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Martina Marchetti-Deschmann
- Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Karlsplatz 13, 1040, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Greistorfer S, Klepal W, Cyran N, Gugumuck A, Rudoll L, Suppan J, von Byern J. Snail mucus - glandular origin and composition in Helix pomatia. ZOOLOGY 2017; 122:126-138. [PMID: 28554685 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Apart from their well-known culinary use, gastropod species such as Helix, which have a hydrogel-like mucus, are increasingly being exploited for cosmetic, bioengineering and medical applications. However, not only are the origin and composition of these "sticky" secretions far from being fully characterized, the number and morphology of the mucus glands involved is also uncertain. This study aims to characterize in detail the cutaneous glands of the Helix pomatia foot on morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical levels. Hereby the focus is on the gland position and appearance on the foot sole as well as on the chemical nature of the different gland secretions. At least five different gland types can be distinguished by their microanatomy; three are located on the dorsal side and two on the ventral side of the foot sole. Most glands are reactive for acidic proteins and sugars such as mannose and fucose, indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. One dorsal gland type shows high reactivity for acidic proteins only. The isolated mucus includes a certain amount of the elements chlorine, potassium and calcium; evidence for lipids was also confirmed in the isolated mucus. The present results for Helix pomatia show a clear difference in the number of glands compared to the related species Helix aspersa (only four mucus glands); histochemically, the glands of both species similarly produce acidic proteins as well as acidic glycosaminoglycans. While calcium ions are known to play a role in mucus formation, the presence and function of other ions such as potassium still need to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Greistorfer
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Gugumuck
- Wiener Schneckenmanufaktur e.U., Rosiwalgasse 44, A-1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Livia Rudoll
- Department of Integrative Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Suppan
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Janek von Byern
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, A-1200 Vienna, Austria.
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12
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13
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Betz O, Maurer A, Verheyden AN, Schmitt C, Kowalik T, Braun J, Grunwald I, Hartwig A, Neuenfeldt M. First protein and peptide characterization of the tarsal adhesive secretions in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:541-9. [PMID: 27126627 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins have been largely neglected in the analysis of insect tarsal adhesives. After extraction of the protein fraction of the tarsal secretion of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, we combined Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analyses for protein mass detection. In both these insects, SDS-PAGE analysis revealed several protein bands ranging from 8-190 kDa in both the tarsal secretion and the tibia control sample. Two (S. gregaria) and one (G. portentosa) protein bands exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion and can be considered to belong to peptides and proteins specific to this secretion. MALDI-TOF analyses revealed 83 different proteins/peptides of 1-7 kDa in S. gregaria, and 48 of 1-11 kDa in G. portentosa. 59 (S. gregaria) and 27 (G. portentosa) proteins exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion. In G. portentosa, a characteristic series of signal peaks occurred in the range of c. 10-12 kDa, each peak being approximately 160 Da apart. Such a pattern is indicative of proteins modified by glycosylation. Our approach demonstrates that extensive sampling involving considerable time and manpower to sample the adhesive fluid directly from the tarsi opens up a perspective for extracting peptides and proteins in sufficient quantities. This makes them accessible to the field of proteomics and thus to elucidate their possible function in the adhesive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Betz
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A Maurer
- Medizinisch-Naturwissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A N Verheyden
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - C Schmitt
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - T Kowalik
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - J Braun
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - I Grunwald
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - A Hartwig
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - M Neuenfeldt
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Liang C, Li Y, Liu Z, Wu W, Hu B. Protein Aggregation Formed by Recombinant cp19k Homologue of Balanus albicostatus Combined with an 18 kDa N-Terminus Encoded by pET-32a(+) Plasmid Having Adhesion Strength Comparable to Several Commercial Glues. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136493. [PMID: 26317205 PMCID: PMC4552757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The barnacle is well known for its tenacious and permanent attachment to a wide variety of underwater substrates, which is accomplished by synthesizing, secreting and curing a mixture of adhesive proteins termed “barnacle cement”. In order to evaluate interfacial adhesion abilities of barnacle cement proteins, the cp19k homologous gene in Balanus albicostatus (Balcp19k) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Here, we report an intriguing discovery of a gel-like super adhesive aggregation produced by Trx-Balcp19k, a recombinant Balcp19k fusion protein. The Trx-Balcp19k consists of an 18 kDa fragment at the N-terminus, which is encoded by pET-32a(+) plasmid and mainly comprised of a thioredoxin (Trx) tag, and Balcp19k at the C-terminus. The sticky aggregation was designated as “Trx-Balcp19k gel”, and the bulk adhesion strength, biochemical composition, as well as formation conditions were all carefully investigated. The Trx-Balcp19k gel exhibited strong adhesion strength of 2.10 ± 0.67 MPa, which was approximately fifty folds higher than that of the disaggregated Trx-Balcp19k (40 ± 8 kPa) and rivaled those of commercial polyvinyl acetate (PVA) craft glue (Mont Marte, Australia) and UHU glue (UHU GmbH & Co. KG, Germany). Lipids were absent from the Trx-Balcp19k gel and only a trace amount of carbohydrates was detected. We postulate that the electrostatic interactions play a key role in the formation of Trx-Balcp19k gel, by mediating self-aggregation of Trx-Balcp19k based on its asymmetric distribution pattern of charged amino acids. Taken together, we believe that our discovery not only presents a promising biological adhesive with potential applications in both biomedical and technical fields, but also provides valuable paradigms for molecular design of bio-inspired peptide- or protein-based materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunqiu Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiming Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjian Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing, China
| | - Biru Hu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Jonker JL, Morrison L, Lynch EP, Grunwald I, von Byern J, Power AM. The chemistry of stalked barnacle adhesive (Lepas anatifera). Interface Focus 2015; 5:20140062. [PMID: 25657841 PMCID: PMC4275876 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The results of the first chemical analysis of the adhesive of Lepas anatifera, a stalked barnacle, are presented. A variety of elements were identified in scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) of the adhesive, including Na, Mg, Ca, Cl, S, Al, Si, K and Fe; however, protein-metal interactions were not detected in Raman spectra of the adhesive. Elemental signatures from SEM-EDS of L. anatifera adhesive glands were less varied. Phosphorous was mostly absent in adhesive samples; supporting previous studies showing that phosphoserines do not play a significant role in adult barnacle adhesion. Disulfide bridges arising from Cys dimers were also investigated; Raman analysis showed weak evidence for S-S bonds in L. anatifera. In addition, there was no calcium carbonate signal in the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra of L. anatifera adhesive, unlike several previous studies in other barnacle species. Significant differences were observed between the Raman spectra of L. anatifera and Balanus crenatus; these and a range of Raman peaks in the L. anatifera adhesive are discussed. Polysaccharide was detected in L. anatifera adhesive but the significance of this awaits further experiments. The results demonstrate some of the diversity within barnacle species in the chemistry of their adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie-Leigh Jonker
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Liam Morrison
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Edward P. Lynch
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
- Department of Mineral Resources, Geological Survey of Sweden, 75128 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Department Adhesive Bonding and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), Group BioInspired Materials, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Janek von Byern
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Marie Power
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland
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17
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Zheden V, Klepal W, Gorb SN, Kovalev A. Mechanical properties of the cement of the stalked barnacle Dosima fascicularis (Cirripedia, Crustacea). Interface Focus 2015; 5:20140049. [PMID: 25657833 PMCID: PMC4275868 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The stalked barnacle Dosima fascicularis secretes foam-like cement, the amount of which usually exceeds that produced by other barnacles. When Dosima settles on small objects, this adhesive is additionally used as a float which gives buoyancy to the animal. The dual use of the cement by D. fascicularis requires mechanical properties different from those of other barnacle species. In the float, two regions with different morphological structure and mechanical properties can be distinguished. The outer compact zone with small gas-filled bubbles (cells) is harder than the interior one and forms a protective rind presumably against mechanical damage. The inner region with large, gas-filled cells is soft. This study demonstrates that D. fascicularis cement is soft and visco-elastic. We show that the values of the elastic modulus, hardness and tensile stress are considerably lower than in the rigid cement of other barnacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zheden
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Zoological Institute: Functional Morphology and Biomechanics , Kiel University , Kiel , Germany
| | - Alexander Kovalev
- Zoological Institute: Functional Morphology and Biomechanics , Kiel University , Kiel , Germany
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18
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Hennebert E, Maldonado B, Ladurner P, Flammang P, Santos R. Experimental strategies for the identification and characterization of adhesive proteins in animals: a review. Interface Focus 2015; 5:20140064. [PMID: 25657842 PMCID: PMC4275877 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adhesive secretions occur in both aquatic and terrestrial animals, in which they perform diverse functions. Biological adhesives can therefore be remarkably complex and involve a large range of components with different functions and interactions. However, being mainly protein based, biological adhesives can be characterized by classical molecular methods. This review compiles experimental strategies that were successfully used to identify, characterize and obtain the full-length sequence of adhesive proteins from nine biological models: echinoderms, barnacles, tubeworms, mussels, sticklebacks, slugs, velvet worms, spiders and ticks. A brief description and practical examples are given for a variety of tools used to study adhesive molecules at different levels from genes to secreted proteins. In most studies, proteins, extracted from secreted materials or from adhesive organs, are analysed for the presence of post-translational modifications and submitted to peptide sequencing. The peptide sequences are then used directly for a BLAST search in genomic or transcriptomic databases, or to design degenerate primers to perform RT-PCR, both allowing the recovery of the sequence of the cDNA coding for the investigated protein. These sequences can then be used for functional validation and recombinant production. In recent years, the dual proteomic and transcriptomic approach has emerged as the best way leading to the identification of novel adhesive proteins and retrieval of their complete sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Hennebert
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Research Institute for Biosciences , University of Mons , 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons , Belgium
| | - Barbara Maldonado
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, GIGA-R , University of Liège , 1 Avenue de l'Hôpital, 4000 Liège , Belgium
| | - Peter Ladurner
- Institute of Zoology and Center of Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck , University of Innsbruck , Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, Research Institute for Biosciences , University of Mons , 23 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons , Belgium
| | - Romana Santos
- Unidade de Investigação em Ciências Orais e Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária , Universidade de Lisboa, Cidade Universitária , 1649-003 Lisboa , Portugal
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19
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Zheden V, Kovalev A, Gorb SN, Klepal W. Characterization of cement float buoyancy in the stalked barnacle Dosima fascicularis (Crustacea, Cirripedia). Interface Focus 2015; 5:20140060. [PMID: 25657839 PMCID: PMC4275874 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dosima fascicularis is the only barnacle which can drift autonomously at the water surface with a foam-like cement float. The cement secreted by the animal contains numerous gas-filled cells of different size. When several individuals share one float, their size and not their number is crucial for the production of both volume and mass of the float. The gas content within the cells of the foam gives positive static buoyancy to the whole float. The volume of the float, the gas volume and the positive static buoyancy are positively correlated. The density of the cement float without gas is greater than that of seawater. This study shows that the secreted cement consists of more than 90% water and the gas volume is on average 18.5%. Our experiments demonstrate that the intact foam-like cement float is sealed to the surrounding water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zheden
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Alexander Kovalev
- Zoological Institute: Functional Morphology and Biomechanics , Kiel University , Kiel , Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Zoological Institute: Functional Morphology and Biomechanics , Kiel University , Kiel , Germany
| | - Waltraud Klepal
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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20
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Jonker JL, Abram F, Pires E, Varela Coelho A, Grunwald I, Power AM. Adhesive proteins of stalked and acorn barnacles display homology with low sequence similarities. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108902. [PMID: 25295513 PMCID: PMC4189950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Barnacle adhesion underwater is an important phenomenon to understand for the prevention of biofouling and potential biotechnological innovations, yet so far, identifying what makes barnacle glue proteins ‘sticky’ has proved elusive. Examination of a broad range of species within the barnacles may be instructive to identify conserved adhesive domains. We add to extensive information from the acorn barnacles (order Sessilia) by providing the first protein analysis of a stalked barnacle adhesive, Lepas anatifera (order Lepadiformes). It was possible to separate the L. anatifera adhesive into at least 10 protein bands using SDS-PAGE. Intense bands were present at approximately 30, 70, 90 and 110 kilodaltons (kDa). Mass spectrometry for protein identification was followed by de novo sequencing which detected 52 peptides of 7–16 amino acids in length. None of the peptides matched published or unpublished transcriptome sequences, but some amino acid sequence similarity was apparent between L. anatifera and closely-related Dosima fascicularis. Antibodies against two acorn barnacle proteins (ab-cp-52k and ab-cp-68k) showed cross-reactivity in the adhesive glands of L. anatifera. We also analysed the similarity of adhesive proteins across several barnacle taxa, including Pollicipes pollicipes (a stalked barnacle in the order Scalpelliformes). Sequence alignment of published expressed sequence tags clearly indicated that P. pollicipes possesses homologues for the 19 kDa and 100 kDa proteins in acorn barnacles. Homology aside, sequence similarity in amino acid and gene sequences tended to decline as taxonomic distance increased, with minimum similarities of 18–26%, depending on the gene. The results indicate that some adhesive proteins (e.g. 100 kDa) are more conserved within barnacles than others (20 kDa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie-Leigh Jonker
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Florence Abram
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elisabete Pires
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Varela Coelho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ingo Grunwald
- Department of Adhesive Bonding and Surfaces, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, Bremen, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Power
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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