1
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Monteiro JPC, Pröhl H, Lyra ML, Brunetti AE, de Nardin EC, Condez TH, Haddad CFB, Rodríguez A. Expression patterns of melanin-related genes are linked to crypsis and conspicuousness in a pumpkin toadlet. Mol Ecol 2024:e17458. [PMID: 38970414 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Colour signals play pivotal roles in different communication systems, and the evolution of these characters has been associated with behavioural ecology, integumentary production processes and perceptual mechanisms of the species involved. Here, we present the first insight into the molecular and histological basis of skin colour polymorphism within a miniaturized species of pumpkin toadlet, potentially representing the lowest size threshold for colour polytypism in tetrapods. Brachycephalus actaeus exhibits a coloration ranging from cryptic green to conspicuous orange skin, and our findings suggest that colour morphs differ in their capability to be detected by potential predators. We also found that the distribution and abundance of chromatophores are variable in the different colour morphs. The expression pattern of coloration related genes was predominantly associated with melanin synthesis (including dct, edn1, mlana, oca2, pmel, slc24a5, tyrp1 and wnt9a). Up-regulation of melanin genes in grey, green and brown skin was associated with higher melanophore abundance than in orange skin, where xanthophores predominate. Our findings provide a significant foundation for comparing and understanding the diverse pathways that contribute to the evolution of pigment production in the skin of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane P C Monteiro
- Post-Graduate Program in Biodiversity, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biodiversity and Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Heike Pröhl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Mariana L Lyra
- Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andrés E Brunetti
- Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Subtropical Biology (IBS, UNaM-CONICET), Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute of Chemical Ecology, Jena, Thuringia, Germany
| | - Eli C de Nardin
- Department of Biodiversity and Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais H Condez
- Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Department of Biodiversity and Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariel Rodríguez
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
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2
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Robinson KE, Moniz HA, Stokes AN, Feldman CR. Where Does All the Poison Go? Investigating Toxicokinetics of Newt (Taricha) Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in Garter Snakes (Thamnophis). J Chem Ecol 2024:10.1007/s10886-024-01517-7. [PMID: 38842636 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-024-01517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Animals that consume toxic diets provide models for understanding the molecular and physiological adaptations to ecological challenges. Garter snakes (Thamnophis) in western North America prey on Pacific newts (Taricha), which employ tetrodotoxin (TTX) as an antipredator defense. These snakes possess mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), the molecular targets of TTX, that decrease the binding ability of TTX to sodium channels (target-site resistance). However, genetic variation at these loci that cannot explain all the phenotypic variation in TTX resistance in Thamnophis. We explored a separate means of resistance, toxin metabolism, to determine if TTX-resistant snakes either rapidly remove TTX or sequester TTX. We examined the metabolism and distribution of TTX in the body (toxicokinetics), to determine differences between TTX-resistant and TTX-sensitive snakes in the rates at which TTX is eliminated from organs and the whole body (using TTX half-life as our metric). We assayed TTX half-life in snakes from TTX-resistant and TTX-sensitive populations of three garter snake species with a coevolutionary history with newts (T. atratus, T. couchii, T. sirtalis), as well as two non-resistant "outgroup" species (T. elegans, Pituophis catenifer) that seldom (if ever) engage newts. We found TTX half-life varied across species, populations, and tissues. Interestingly, TTX half-life was shortest in T. elegans and P. catenifer compared to all other snakes. Furthermore, TTX-resistant populations of T. couchii and T. sirtalis eliminated TTX faster (shorter TTX half-life) than their TTX-sensitive counterparts, while populations of TTX-resistant and TTX-sensitive T. atratus showed no difference rates of TTX removal (same TTX half-life). The ability to rapidly eliminate TTX may have permitted increased prey consumption, which may have promoted the evolution of additional resistance mechanisms. Finally, snakes still retain substantial amounts of TTX, and we projected that snakes could be dangerous to their own predators days to weeks following the ingestion of a single newt. Thus, aspects of toxin metabolism may have been key in driving predator-prey relationships, and important in determining other ecological interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Robinson
- Department of Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Haley A Moniz
- Department of Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Amber N Stokes
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Chris R Feldman
- Department of Biology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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3
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Kröner L, Lötters S, Hopp MT. Insights into caudate amphibian skin secretions with a focus on the chemistry and bioactivity of derived peptides. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2024-0035. [PMID: 38766708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2024-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are well-known for their ability to produce and secrete a mixture of bioactive substances in specialized skin glands for the purpose of antibiotic self-protection and defense against predators. Some of these secretions contain various small molecules, such as the highly toxic batrachotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and samandarine. For some time, the presence of peptides in amphibian skin secretions has attracted researchers, consisting of a diverse collection of - to the current state of knowledge - three to 104 amino acid long sequences. From these more than 2000 peptides many are known to exert antimicrobial effects. In addition, there are some reports on amphibian skin peptides that can promote wound healing, regulate immunoreactions, and may serve as antiparasitic and antioxidative substances. So far, the focus has mainly been on skin peptides from frogs and toads (Anura), eclipsing the research on skin peptides of the ca. 700 salamanders and newts (Caudata). Just recently, several novel observations dealing with caudate peptides and their structure-function relationships were reported. This review focuses on the chemistry and bioactivity of caudate amphibian skin peptides and their potential as novel agents for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Kröner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lötters
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, D-54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Marie-T Hopp
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
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4
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Campàs M, Reverté J, Tudó À, Alkassar M, Diogène J, Sureda FX. Automated Patch Clamp for the Detection of Tetrodotoxin in Pufferfish Samples. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:176. [PMID: 38667793 PMCID: PMC11050952 DOI: 10.3390/md22040176] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a marine toxin responsible for many intoxications around the world. Its presence in some pufferfish species and, as recently reported, in shellfish, poses a serious health concern. Although TTX is not routinely monitored, there is a need for fast, sensitive, reliable, and simple methods for its detection and quantification. In this work, we describe the use of an automated patch clamp (APC) system with Neuro-2a cells for the determination of TTX contents in pufferfish samples. The cells showed an IC50 of 6.4 nM for TTX and were not affected by the presence of muscle, skin, liver, and gonad tissues of a Sphoeroides pachygaster specimen (TTX-free) when analysed at 10 mg/mL. The LOD achieved with this technique was 0.05 mg TTX equiv./kg, which is far below the Japanese regulatory limit of 2 mg TTX equiv./kg. The APC system was applied to the analysis of extracts of a Lagocephalus sceleratus specimen, showing TTX contents that followed the trend of gonads > liver > skin > muscle. The APC system, providing an in vitro toxicological approach, offers the advantages of being sensitive, rapid, and reliable for the detection of TTX-like compounds in seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Campàs
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters (AMiC) Programme, Ctra. Poble Nou del Delta, km. 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (J.R.); (M.A.); (J.D.)
| | - Jaume Reverté
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters (AMiC) Programme, Ctra. Poble Nou del Delta, km. 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (J.R.); (M.A.); (J.D.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain;
| | - Àngels Tudó
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain;
| | - Mounira Alkassar
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters (AMiC) Programme, Ctra. Poble Nou del Delta, km. 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (J.R.); (M.A.); (J.D.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain;
| | - Jorge Diogène
- IRTA, Marine and Continental Waters (AMiC) Programme, Ctra. Poble Nou del Delta, km. 5.5, 43540 La Ràpita, Spain; (J.R.); (M.A.); (J.D.)
| | - Francesc X. Sureda
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Spain;
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5
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Malykin GV, Velansky PV, Melnikova DI, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins in Larval Development of Ribbon Worm Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:918-934. [PMID: 37672165 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The toxic ribbon worm, Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea), possesses extremely high concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX). Although TTX has been found in the eggs of this species, the fate of the toxin in the ontogeny of the animal has not been explored. Here, using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry with anti-TTX antibodies, we examined levels, profile, and localization of TTX and its analogues (TTXs) in larvae of C. cf. simula throughout 41 days post-fertilization. A detailed investigation of cells in sites of TTX-accumulation was performed with light and electron microscopy. Newly hatched larvae possessed weak TTX-like immunoreactivity in all cells. With subsequent development, intensity of TTX-labeling in the ectodermal structures, mesodermal cells and apical cylinder of the apical gland increased. In the ectodermal structures, an intense TTX-labeling was observed in the multiciliated, type II granular, type I mucoid, and basal cells of the epidermis, and in the type III granular cells of the mouth gland. In the mesoderm, TTX was localized in the muscle and unigranular parenchyma-like cells. Eggs and larvae of C. cf. simula contained five TTXs, with two major toxins - TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX. Level and relative proportion of TTXs did not differ significantly among developmental stages, confirming that larvae obtained toxins from maternal eggs and were able to retain it. The results of this study provide insights into the formation of TTX-bearing apparatus of C. cf. simula through the larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorii V Malykin
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Peter V Velansky
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Daria I Melnikova
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Timur Yu Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
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6
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Gonzalez M, Carazzone C. Eco-Metabolomics Applied to the Chemical Ecology of Poison Frogs (Dendrobatoidea). J Chem Ecol 2023; 49:570-598. [PMID: 37594619 PMCID: PMC10725362 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01443-0] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are one of the most remarkable sources of unique natural products. Biogenic amines, peptides, bufodienolides, alkaloids, and volatile organic compounds have been characterized in different species. The superfamily Dendrobatoidea represents one of the most enigmatic cases of study in chemical ecology because their skin secretome is composed by a complex mixture (i.e. cocktail) of highly lethal and noxious unique alkaloid structures. While chemical defences from dendrobatoids (families Dendrobatidae and Aromobatidae) have been investigated employing ecological, behavioral, phylogenetic and evolutionary perspectives, studies about the analytical techniques needed to perform the chemical characterization have been neglected for many years. Therefore, our aim is to summarize the current methods applied for the characterization of chemical profiles in dendrobatoids and to illustrate innovative Eco-metabolomics strategies that could be translated to this study model. This approach could be extended to natural products other than alkaloids and implemented for the chemical analysis of different species of dendrobatoids employing both low- and high-resolution mass spectrometers. Here, we overview important biological features to be considered, procedures that could be applied to perform the chemical characterization, steps and tools to perform an Eco-metabolomic analysis, and a final discussion about future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad de los Andes, 4976, Bogotá, AA, Colombia.
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Chiara Carazzone
- Department of Chemistry, Universidad de los Andes, 4976, Bogotá, AA, Colombia.
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7
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Fuentes-Monteverde JC, Núñez MJ, Amaya-Monterosa O, Martínez ML, Rodríguez J, Jiménez C. Multistage Detection of Tetrodotoxin Traces in Diodon hystrix Collected in El Salvador. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:409. [PMID: 37505678 PMCID: PMC10467132 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070409] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes a multistage methodology to detect minute amounts of tetrodotoxin in fishes, a plan that may be broadened to include other marine organisms. This methodology was applied to porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix) collected in Punta Chiquirín, El Salvador. A three-stage approach along with post-acquisition processing was employed, to wit: (a) Sample screening by selected reaction monitoring (HPLC-MS/MS-SRM) analyses to quickly identify possible toxin presence via a LC/MS/MS API 3200 system with a triple quadrupole; (b) HPLC-HRFTMS-full scan analyses using an ion trap-Orbitrap spectrometer combined with an MZmine 2-enhanced dereplication-like workflow to collect high-resolution mass spectra; and (c) HPLC-HRMS2 analyses. This is the first time tetrodotoxin has been reported in D. hystrix specimens collected in El Salvador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Fuentes-Monteverde
- CICA—Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía and Departamento de Química, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain;
- NMR Based Structural Biology, MPI for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marvin J. Núñez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador 01101, El Salvador; (M.J.N.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Oscar Amaya-Monterosa
- Laboratorio de Toxinas Marinas, Escuela de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemática, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador 01101, El Salvador;
| | - Morena L. Martínez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador 01101, El Salvador; (M.J.N.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Jaime Rodríguez
- CICA—Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía and Departamento de Química, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Carlos Jiménez
- CICA—Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía and Departamento de Química, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain;
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8
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Ito M, Shirai K, Oyama H, Yasukawa S, Asano M, Kihara M, Suo R, Sugita H, Nakahigashi R, Adachi M, Nishikawa T, Itoi S. Geographical differences in the composition of tetrodotoxin and 5,6,11-trideoxytetrodotoxin in Japanese pufferfishes and their origins. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139214. [PMID: 37327821 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX)-bearing fish are thought to accumulate TTXs in their bodies through a food chain that begins with marine bacteria. However, the mechanism of TTXs transfer between prey and predators in the food chain remains unclear and the reasons for regional differences in pufferfish toxicity are also unknown. To investigate these matters, we collected juveniles of four species of pufferfish, Takifugu alboplumbeus, Takifugu flavipterus, Takifugu stictonotus, and Chelonodon patoca, from various locations in the Japanese Islands, and subjected them to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis for TTX and its analog 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX (TDT). Concentrations of these substances tended to be higher in pufferfish juveniles collected from the Sanriku coastal area (Pacific coast of northern Japan) than in those from other locations. Juveniles had higher concentrations of TTX at all locations than of TDT. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences specific to the TTX-bearing flatworm, Planocera multitentaculata, were detected in the intestinal contents of up to 100% of pufferfish juveniles from various sampling sites, suggesting that P. multitentaculata was widely involved in the toxification of the juveniles in the coastal waters of Japan. A toxification experiment was conducted on three species of pufferfish juveniles (T. alboplumbeus, Takifugu rubripes and C. patoca) using TTX-bearing flatworm eggs harboring equal amounts of TTX and TDT. The TTX content of juveniles fed on flatworm eggs was found to be more than twice that of TDT, suggesting that pufferfish preferentially incorporate TTX compared to TDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Ito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kyoko Shirai
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shino Yasukawa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Masaki Asano
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Masato Kihara
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakahigashi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masaatsu Adachi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8587, Japan
| | - Toshio Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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9
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Malloggi C, Tinacci L, Giusti A, Galli F, Dall'Ara S, Marconi P, Gasperetti L, Armani A. Accidental discovery of a Tetraodontidae ( Sphoeroides marmoratus) within a cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis) bought in a fish shop in Italy: risk assessment associated with the presence of Tetrodotoxin. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11117. [PMID: 37405149 PMCID: PMC10316238 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of a pufferfish specimen (Tetraodontidae) inside a frozen cuttlefish, purchased by a fishmonger, and caught in the Eastern Central Atlantic (FAO 34) is reported. The consumer, who reported this case to FishLab (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa) for investigation, was a student of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pisa. He recognized the Tetraodontidae because he attended practical lessons on fish morphological identification during the course of food inspection and was aware of the risks to human health linked to the Tetrodotoxin (TTX). In this study, the pufferfish was identified morphologically, using the FAO morphological keys, and molecularly, analyzing two markers, the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and the cytochrome b genes, by DNA barcoding. The pufferfish was identified morphologically as Sphoeroides spp., and molecularly as Sphoeroides marmoratus using the COI gene (99-100% identity values). Literature reports that S. marmoratus from the Eastern Atlantic contains high concentrations of TTX in the gonads and the digestive tract. However, the possible passage of TTX from fish to other organisms linked to contact or ingestion has never been reported. This represents the first case of a potentially toxic pufferfish entering the market inside another organism. The fact that a student observed this occurrence highlights the key role of citizen science in the management of emerging risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malloggi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
| | - Lara Tinacci
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
| | - Alice Giusti
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
| | - Federico Galli
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
| | - Sonia Dall'Ara
- Marine Research Center Foundation, National Reference Laboratory on Marine Biotoxins, Cesenatico
| | - Paola Marconi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Gasperetti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany M. Aleandri, UOT Toscana Nord, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
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10
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Yaegashi Y, Kudo Y, Ueyama N, Onodera KI, Cho Y, Konoki K, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Isolation and Biological Activity of 9- epiTetrodotoxin and Isolation of Tb-242B, Possible Biosynthetic Shunt Products of Tetrodotoxin from Pufferfish. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2199-2206. [PMID: 35994072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1) is a potent voltage-gated sodium channel blocker detected in certain marine and terrestrial organisms. We report here a new TTX analogue, 9-epiTTX (2), and a TTX-related compound, Tb-242B (4), isolated from the pufferfish Takifugu flavipterus and Dichotomyctere ocellatus, respectively. NMR analysis suggested that 2 exists as a mixture of hemilactal and 10,8-lactone forms, whereas other reported TTX analogues are commonly present as an equilibrium mixture of hemilactal and 10,7-lactone forms. Compound 2 and TTX were confirmed not to convert to each other by incubation under neutral and acidic conditions at 37 °C for 24 h. Compound 4 was identified as the 9-epimer of Tb-242A (3), previously reported as a possible biosynthetic precursor of TTX. Compound 4 was partially converted to 3 by incubation in a neutral buffer at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas 3 was not converted to 4 under this condition. Compound 2 was detected in several TTX-containing marine animals and a newt. Mice injected with 600 ng of 2 by intraperitoneal injection did not show any adverse symptoms, suggesting that the C-9 configuration in TTX is critical for its biological activity. Based on the structures, 2 and 4 were predicted to be shunt products for TTX biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Yaegashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Nozomi Ueyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Onodera
- Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Kochi University, 200 Otsu, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8502, Japan
| | - Yuko Cho
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Keiichi Konoki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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11
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Giglio ML, Boland W, Heras H. Egg toxic compounds in the animal kingdom. A comprehensive review. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1938-1969. [PMID: 35916025 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00029f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1951 to 2022Packed with nutrients and unable to escape, eggs are the most vulnerable stage of an animal's life cycle. Consequently, many species have evolved chemical defenses and teamed up their eggs with a vast array of toxic molecules for defense against predators, parasites, or pathogens. However, studies on egg toxins are rather scarce and the available information is scattered. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of animal egg toxins and to analyze the trends and patterns with respect to the chemistry and biosynthesis of these toxins. We analyzed their ecology, distribution, sources, occurrence, structure, function, relative toxicity, and mechanistic aspects and include a brief section on the aposematic coloration of toxic eggs. We propose criteria for a multiparametric classification that accounts for the complexity of analyzing the full set of toxins of animal eggs. Around 100 properly identified egg toxins are found in 188 species, distributed in 5 phyla: cnidarians (2) platyhelminths (2), mollusks (9), arthropods (125), and chordates (50). Their scattered pattern among animals suggests that species have evolved this strategy independently on numerous occasions. Alkaloids are the most abundant and widespread, among the 13 types of egg toxins recognized. Egg toxins are derived directly from the environment or are endogenously synthesized, and most of them are transferred by females inside the eggs. Their toxicity ranges from ρmol kg-1 to mmol kg-1, and for some species, experiments support their role in predation deterrence. There is still a huge gap in information to complete the whole picture of this field and the number of toxic eggs seems largely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías L Giglio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Wilhelm Boland
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Horacio Heras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. .,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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12
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Konrad DB, Rühmann KP, Ando H, Hetzler BE, Strassner N, Houk KN, Matsuura BS, Trauner D. A concise synthesis of tetrodotoxin. Science 2022; 377:411-415. [PMID: 35862530 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a neurotoxic natural product that is an indispensable probe in neuroscience, a biosynthetic and ecological enigma, and a celebrated target of synthetic chemistry. Here, we present a stereoselective synthesis of TTX that proceeds in 22 steps from a glucose derivative. The central cyclohexane ring of TTX and its α-tertiary amine moiety were established by the intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrile oxide, followed by alkynyl addition to the resultant isoxazoline. A ruthenium-catalyzed hydroxylactonization set the stage for the formation of the dioxa-adamantane core. Installation of the guanidine, oxidation of a primary alcohol, and a late-stage epimerization gave a mixture of TTX and anhydro-TTX. This synthetic approach could give ready access to biologically active derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Konrad
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Rühmann
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Hiroyasu Ando
- Graduate School of Infection Control Sciences and Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Belinda E Hetzler
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Nina Strassner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kendall N Houk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bryan S Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003, USA
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13
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Suo R, Tanaka M, Oyama H, Kojima Y, Yui K, Sakakibara R, Nakahigashi R, Adachi M, Nishikawa T, Sugita H, Itoi S. Tetrodotoxins in the flatworm Planocera multitentaculata. Toxicon 2022; 216:169-173. [PMID: 35843466 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The marine polyclad flatworm Planocera multitentaculata is known to possess high levels of tetrodotoxin (TTX), but the presence of TTX analogues in the species has been unexplored. In this study, TTX and several analogues such as 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, monodeoxyTTXs, dideoxyTTXs, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol were identified in three adults and egg plates of P. multitentaculata using high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS) for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Makoto Tanaka
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yuki Kojima
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yui
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Ryo Sakakibara
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakahigashi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masaatsu Adachi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Toshio Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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14
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Gall BG, Stokes AN, Brodie ED, Brodie ED. Tetrodotoxin levels in lab-reared Rough-Skinned Newts (Taricha granulosa) after 3 years and comparison to wild-caught juveniles. Toxicon 2022; 213:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Pearson KC, Tarvin RD. A review of chemical defense in harlequin toads (Bufonidae: Atelopus). Toxicon X 2022; 13:100092. [PMID: 35146414 PMCID: PMC8801762 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toads of the genus Atelopus are chemically defended by a unique combination of endogenously synthesized cardiotoxins (bufadienolides) and neurotoxins which may be sequestered (guanidinium alkaloids). Investigation into Atelopus small-molecule chemical defenses has been primarily concerned with identifying and characterizing various forms of these toxins while largely overlooking their ecological roles and evolutionary implications. In addition to describing the extent of knowledge about Atelopus toxin structures, pharmacology, and biological sources, we review the detection, identification, and quantification methods used in studies of Atelopus toxins to date and conclude that many known toxin profiles are unlikely to be comprehensive because of methodological and sampling limitations. Patterns in existing data suggest that both environmental (toxin availability) and genetic (capacity to synthesize or sequester toxins) factors influence toxin profiles. From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, we summarize the possible selective pressures acting on Atelopus toxicity and toxin profiles, including predation, intraspecies communication, disease, and reproductive status. Ultimately, we intend to provide a basis for future ecological, evolutionary, and biochemical research on Atelopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannon C. Pearson
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Tarvin
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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16
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Douglas TE, Beskid SG, Gernand CE, Nirtaut BE, Tamsil KE, Fitch RW, Tarvin RD. Trade-offs between cost of ingestion and rate of intake drive defensive toxin use. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20210579. [PMID: 35135316 PMCID: PMC8826133 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals that ingest toxins can become unpalatable and even toxic to predators and parasites through toxin sequestration. Because most animals rapidly eliminate toxins to survive their ingestion, it is unclear how populations transition from susceptibility and toxin elimination to tolerance and accumulation as chemical defence emerges. Studies of chemical defence have generally focused on species with active toxin sequestration and target-site insensitivity mutations or toxin-binding proteins that permit survival without necessitating toxin elimination. Here, we investigate whether animals that presumably rely on toxin elimination for survival can use ingested toxins for defence. We use the A4 and A3 Drosophila melanogaster fly strains from the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource (DSPR), which respectively possess high and low metabolic nicotine resistance among DSPR fly lines. We find that ingesting nicotine increased A4 but not A3 fly survival against Leptopilina heterotoma wasp parasitism. Further, we find that despite possessing genetic variants that enhance toxin elimination, A4 flies accrued more nicotine than A3 individuals, likely by consuming more medium. Our results suggest that enhanced toxin metabolism can allow greater toxin intake by offsetting the cost of toxin ingestion. Passive toxin accumulation that accompanies increased toxin intake may underlie the early origins of chemical defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler E. Douglas
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sofia G. Beskid
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Callie E. Gernand
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
| | - Brianna E. Nirtaut
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
| | - Kristen E. Tamsil
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Richard W. Fitch
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Tarvin
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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17
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Hanifin CT, Kudo Y, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Chemical Ecology of the North American Newt Genera Taricha and Notophthalmus. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 118:101-130. [PMID: 35416518 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92030-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The North American newt genera Taricha and Notophthalmus (order Caudata) are well known for the combination of potent toxicity, aposematic coloration, and striking defense postures that protects these animals from predation. This suite of traits is centered around the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which causes paralysis and death in metazoans by disrupting the initiation and propagation of electrical signals in the nerves and muscles. Tetrodotoxin defends newts from predation across multiple life history stages and its role in generating arms-race coevolution between Taricha newts and garter snake (genus Thamnophis) predators is well studied. However, understanding the broader picture of chemical defenses in Taricha and Notophthalmus requires an expanded comprehension of the defensive chemical ecology of tetrodotoxin that includes possible coevolutionary interactions with insect egg predators, protection against parasites, as well as mimicry complexes associated with tetrodotoxin and aposematic coloration in both genera. Herein the authors review what is known about the structure, function, and pharmacology of tetrodotoxin to explore its evolution and chemical ecology in the North American newt. Focus is made specifically on the origin and possible biosynthesis of tetrodotoxin in these taxa as well as providing an expanded picture of the web of interactions that contribute to landscape level patterns of toxicity and defense in Taricha and Notophthalmus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Hanifin
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 320 N. Aggie Blvd, Vernal, UT, 84078, USA.
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science & Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8572, Japan
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18
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Danis T, Papadogiannis V, Tsakogiannis A, Kristoffersen JB, Golani D, Tsaparis D, Sterioti A, Kasapidis P, Kotoulas G, Magoulas A, Tsigenopoulos CS, Manousaki T. Genome Analysis of Lagocephalus sceleratus: Unraveling the Genomic Landscape of a Successful Invader. Front Genet 2021; 12:790850. [PMID: 34956332 PMCID: PMC8692874 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.790850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tetraodontidae family encompasses several species which attract scientific interest in terms of their ecology and evolution. The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is a well-known “invasive sprinter” that has invaded and spread, in less than a decade, throughout the Eastern and part of the Western Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal. In this study, we built and analysed the first near-chromosome level genome assembly of L. sceleratus and explored its evolutionary landscape. Through a phylogenomic analysis, we positioned L. sceleratus closer to T. nigroviridis, compared to other members of the family, while gene family evolution analysis revealed that genes associated with the immune response have experienced rapid expansion, providing a genetic basis for studying how L. sceleratus is able to achieve highly successful colonisation. Moreover, we found that voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV 1.4) mutations previously connected to tetrodotoxin resistance in other pufferfishes are not found in L. sceleratus, highlighting the complex evolution of this trait. The high-quality genome assembly built here is expected to set the ground for future studies on the species biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Danis
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alexandros Tsakogiannis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jon B Kristoffersen
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Daniel Golani
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior and the National Natural History Collections, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dimitris Tsaparis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aspasia Sterioti
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kasapidis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios Kotoulas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Magoulas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Costas S Tsigenopoulos
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Tereza Manousaki
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
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19
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Mebs D, Schneider JV, Schröder O, Yotsu-Yamashita M, Harley JR, Mogk L, Köhler G. A study on the genetic population structure and the tetrodotoxin content of rough-skinned newts, Taricha granulosa (Salamandridae), from their northern range of distribution. Toxicon 2021; 206:38-41. [PMID: 34919907 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rough-skinned newts, Taricha granulosa, which contain tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent neurotoxin, are widely distributed along the west-coast of North America up to British Columbia (BC), Canada, and Southeast Alaska. Their genetic population structure using DNA-microsatellites and the TTX-content of specimens from British Columbia (Prince Rupert area) and Alaska (Revillagigedo Island, Shelter Island, and Juneau) were analysed. TTX-concentrations were low in newts from BC and Revillagigedo Island, but high in specimens from mainland Juneau, which had been deliberately introduced from Shelter Island, where TTX was not detectable in the individuals sampled. No significant genetic differences were detected between these populations, which may correlate with the high intraspecies variability of TTX. It is still an open question, which factors favour or induce the toxin production in the newts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Mebs
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Julio V Schneider
- Terrestrial Zoology, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oskar Schröder
- Terrestrial Zoology, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
| | - John R Harley
- Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Linda Mogk
- Terrestrial Zoology, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gunther Köhler
- Terrestrial Zoology, Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Museum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
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20
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Lyra ML, Monteiro JPC, Rancilhac L, Irisarri I, Künzel S, Sanchez E, Condez TH, Rojas-Padilla O, Solé M, Toledo LF, Haddad CFB, Vences M. Initial Phylotranscriptomic Confirmation of Homoplastic Evolution of the Conspicuous Coloration and Bufoniform Morphology of Pumpkin-Toadlets in the Genus Brachycephalus. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:816. [PMID: 34822600 PMCID: PMC8620806 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Brachycephalus is a fascinating group of miniaturized anurans from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, comprising the conspicuous, brightly colored pumpkin-toadlets and the cryptic flea-toads. Pumpkin-toadlets are known to contain tetrodotoxins and therefore, their bright colors may perform an aposematic function. Previous studies based on a limited number of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded markers supported the existence of two clades containing species of pumpkin-toadlet phenotype, but deep nodes remained largely unresolved or conflicting between data sets. We use new RNAseq data of 17 individuals from nine Brachycephalus species to infer their evolutionary relationships from a phylogenomic perspective. Analyses of almost 5300 nuclear-encoded ortholog protein-coding genes and full mitochondrial genomes confirmed the existence of two separate pumpkin-toadlet clades, suggesting the convergent evolution (or multiple reversals) of the bufoniform morphology, conspicuous coloration, and probably toxicity. In addition, the study of the mitochondrial gene order revealed that three species (B. hermogenesi, B. pitanga, and B. rotenbergae) display translocations of different tRNAs (NCY and CYA) from the WANCY tRNA cluster to a position between the genes ATP6 and COIII, showing a new mitochondrial gene order arrangement for vertebrates. The newly clarified phylogeny suggests that Brachycephalus has the potential to become a promising model taxon to understand the evolution of coloration, body plan and toxicity. Given that toxicity information is available for only few species of Brachycephalus, without data for any flea-toad species, we also emphasize the need for a wider screening of toxicity across species, together with more in-depth functional and ecological study of their phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L. Lyra
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Juliane P. C. Monteiro
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Loïs Rancilhac
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Iker Irisarri
- Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Applied Bioinformatics, University of Goettingen, Goldschmidtstr, 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Sven Künzel
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany;
| | - Eugenia Sanchez
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Thais H. Condez
- Unidade Passos, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (UEMG), Avenida Juca Stockler 1130, Passos 37900-106, MG, Brazil;
| | - Omar Rojas-Padilla
- Laboratório de Sistemática de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil;
| | - Mirco Solé
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil;
| | - Luís Felipe Toledo
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil;
| | - Célio F. B. Haddad
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
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21
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Chimetto Tonon LA, Rua C, Crnkovic CM, Bernardi DI, Pires Junior OR, Haddad CFB, Pedrosa CSG, Souza LRQ, Rehen SK, de Azevedo GPR, Thompson CC, Thompson FL, Berlinck RGS. Microbiome associated with the tetrodotoxin-bearing anuran Brachycephalus pitanga. Toxicon 2021; 203:139-146. [PMID: 34653444 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genus Brachycephalus includes small species of aposematic anurans known as microendemic, occurring in the mountains of the Atlantic Forest. Brachycephalus ephippium, B. nodoterga and B. pernix have been reported to contain the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin in skin and viscera. The biological conservation of several Brachycephalus species is currently threatened by climate change, deforestation, and the pandemic caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Despite the well-known importance of amphibians' associated bacteria in the defensive role against pathogens, there is still a poor understanding of amphibian microbiome composition. The present study investigated the composition of B. pitanga microbial community and the presence of TTX in the host and in cultures of bacterial isolates, using a combination of metagenomics, bacterial culture isolation, mass spectrometry and metabolomic analyses. Results of culture-dependent and -independent analyses characterized the microbial communities associated with the skin and viscera of B. pitanga. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of TTX in host tissues, while bacterial production of TTX was not observed under the experimental conditions used in this investigation. This is the first report confirming the occurrence of TTX in B. pitanga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane A Chimetto Tonon
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Biologia, SAGE-COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil.
| | - Cintia Rua
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Biologia, SAGE-COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Camila M Crnkovic
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica (FBT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Darlon I Bernardi
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmindo R Pires Junior
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Departamento de Biodiversidade e Centro de Aquicultura, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Stevens K Rehen
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Gustavo P R de Azevedo
- Instituto de Biologia, SAGE-COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristiane C Thompson
- Instituto de Biologia, SAGE-COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Instituto de Biologia, SAGE-COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil.
| | - Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Vasconcelos IAD, Souza JOD, de Castro JS, Santana CJCD, Magalhães ACM, Castro MDS, Pires Júnior OR. Salamanders and caecilians, neglected from the chemical point of view. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1977326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana de Souza Castro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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23
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Chai L, Yin C, Kamau PM, Luo L, Yang S, Lu X, Zheng D, Wang Y. Toward an understanding of tree frog (Hyla japonica) for predator deterrence. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1405-1413. [PMID: 34245370 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gene-encoded peptides with distinct potent bioactivities enable several animals to take advantage of fierce interspecific interaction, as seen in the skin secretion of amphibians. Unlike, most amphibian species that frequently switches terrestrial-aquatic habitats and hides easily from terrestrial predators, tree frogs of small body size are considered as the vulnerable prey in the arboreal habitat. Here, we show the structural and functional diversity of peptide families based on the skin transcriptome of Hyla japonica, which has evolved to be wrapped as an efficient chemical toolkit for defensive use in arboreal habitat. Generally, the presence of antimicrobial peptide and proteinase inhibitor families reveals the functional consistency of Hyla japonica skin compared to other amphibian species. Furthermore, we found that Anntoxin-like neurotoxins with high expression levels are species-specific in tree frogs. Interestingly, derivatives in the Anntoxin-like family exhibit multiple evolutionary traits in modifying the copy number, folding type, and three-dimensional architecture, which are considered essential for targeting the ion channels of terrestrial predators. Together, our study not only reveals the peptide diversity in the skin secretion of H. japonica, but also draws insights into the predator-deterring strategy for coping with arboreal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhui Chai
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Chuanlin Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Shilong Yang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiancui Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dong Zheng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Yunfei Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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24
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Gendreau KL, Hornsby AD, Hague MTJ, McGlothlin JW. Gene Conversion Facilitates the Adaptive Evolution of Self-Resistance in Highly Toxic Newts. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4077-4094. [PMID: 34129031 PMCID: PMC8476164 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Reconstructing the histories of complex adaptations and identifying the evolutionary mechanisms underlying their origins are two of the primary goals of evolutionary biology. Taricha newts, which contain high concentrations of the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin (TTX) as an antipredator defense, have evolved resistance to self-intoxication, which is a complex adaptation requiring changes in six paralogs of the voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) gene family, the physiological target of TTX. Here, we reconstruct the origins of TTX self-resistance by sequencing the entire Nav gene family in newts and related salamanders. We show that moderate TTX resistance evolved early in the salamander lineage in three of the six Nav paralogs, preceding the proposed appearance of tetrodotoxic newts by ∼100 My. TTX-bearing newts possess additional unique substitutions across the entire Nav gene family that provide physiological TTX resistance. These substitutions coincide with signatures of positive selection and relaxed purifying selection, as well as gene conversion events, that together likely facilitated their evolution. We also identify a novel exon duplication within Nav1.4 encoding an expressed TTX-binding site. Two resistance-conferring changes within newts appear to have spread via nonallelic gene conversion: in one case, one codon was copied between paralogs, and in the second, multiple substitutions were homogenized between the duplicate exons of Nav1.4. Our results demonstrate that gene conversion can accelerate the coordinated evolution of gene families in response to a common selection pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Gendreau
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Angela D Hornsby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States.,Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, United States
| | - Michael T J Hague
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Joel W McGlothlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
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25
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Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) and Vibrio alginolyticus in Mussels from Central Adriatic Sea (Italy): Are They Closely Related? Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19060304. [PMID: 34070400 PMCID: PMC8228660 DOI: 10.3390/md19060304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs), potent neurotoxins, have become an increasing concern in Europe in recent decades, especially because of their presence in mollusks. The European Food Safety Authority published a Scientific Opinion setting a recommended threshold for TTX in mollusks of 44 µg equivalent kg−1 and calling all member states to contribute to an effort to gather data in order to produce a more exhaustive risk assessment. The objective of this work was to assess TTX levels in wild and farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) harvested in 2018–2019 along the coastal area of the Marche region in the Central Adriatic Sea (Italy). The presence of Vibrio spp. carrying the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthase (PKS) genes, which are suspected to be involved in TTX biosynthesis, was also investigated. Out of 158 mussel samples analyzed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS), 11 (7%) contained the toxins at detectable levels (8–26 µg kg−1) and 3 (2%) contained levels above the EFSA safety threshold (61–76 µg kg−1). Contaminated mussels were all harvested from natural beds in spring or summer. Of the 2019 samples, 70% of them contained V. alginolyticus strains with the NRPS and/or PKS genes. None of the strains containing NRPS and/or PKS genes showed detectable levels of TTXs. TTXs in mussels are not yet a threat in the Marche region nor in Europe, but further investigations are surely needed.
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26
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Kudo Y, Hanifin CT, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Identification of Tricyclic Guanidino Compounds from the Tetrodotoxin-Bearing Newt Taricha granulosa. Org Lett 2021; 23:3513-3517. [PMID: 33830775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1) is still unresolved. We used MS-guided screening and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses including long-range HSQMBC to characterize two novel skeletal tricyclic guanidino compounds, Tgr-288 (2a and 2b) and Tgr-210 (3), from the TTX-bearing newt, Taricha granulosa. The presence of these compounds in toxic newts is congruent with a previously proposed pathway for TTX biosynthesis in terrestrial organisms that includes a monoterpene precursor and the production of structurally diversified guanidino compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kudo
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan.,Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Charles T Hanifin
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Uintah Basin Campus, 320 North Aggie Boulevard (2000 W.), Vernal, Utah 84078, United States
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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27
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Mebs D, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Acquiring toxicity of a newt, Cynops orientalis. Toxicon 2021; 198:32-35. [PMID: 33933520 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) contents of wild-caught Chinese red-bellied newts, Cynops orientalis, and their offspring captive-reared from eggs to metamorphosed juveniles, were analysed using post-column LC-fluorescent detection (LC-FLD) and high resolution hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HR-HILIC-LC/MS). TTX was detected in the parent newts and their eggs, but not in the larvae and juveniles raised under artificial condition over 20 months. However, juveniles reared in the presence of their parents, contained TTX-concentrations up to 8.05 μg/g. The origin of TTX may be implied from a close connection between the parents and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Mebs
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
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28
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De novo transcriptome sequencing of triton shell Charonia lampas sauliae: Identification of genes related to neurotoxins and discovery of genetic markers. Mar Genomics 2021; 59:100862. [PMID: 33827771 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2021.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Charonia lampas sauliae (triton snails, triton shells or tritons; Mollusca, Caenogastropoda, Littorinimorpha, Ranellidae) is a marine species with a wide distribution. In Korea, this species is listed as vulnerable and is regionally protected as an endangered species. Here, we report the first comprehensive transcriptome dataset of C. lampas sauliae obtained using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. In total, 97.68% of raw read sequences were processed as clean reads. Of the 577,478 contigs obtained, 146,026 sequences were predicted to contain coding regions. About 89.34% of all annotated unigene sequences showed homologous matches to protein sequences in PANM DB (Protostome database). Further, about one-third of the unigene sequences were annotated using the UniGene, Swiss-Prot, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases. In total, 190 enzymes were predicted under key metabolic pathways under stood through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database annotation. Repetitive elements such as long terminal repeats (LTRs), short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), and DNA elements were enriched in the unigene sequences. Among the identified transcripts were the channel proteins, some of which were blocked by tetrodotoxin, which is thought to be synthesized by symbiotic bacteria inhabiting the shells. In addition, conotoxin superfamily peptides, such as B-conotoxin, conotoxin superfamily T and alpha-conotoxin, were identified, which may have relevance to biomedical and evolutionary research. A transcriptome-wide search for polymorphic loci identified 21,568 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the unigene sequences. Most SSRs were dinucleotides, among which AC/GT was the dominant SSR type. The molecular and genetic resources revealed in this study could be utilized for investigations on the fitness of the species in the marine environment and sustainability in a changing habitat.
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29
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Inoue T, Nakata R, Savitzky AH, Yoshinaga N, Mori A, Mori N. Variation in Bufadienolide Composition of Parotoid Gland Secretion From Three Taxa of Japanese Toads. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:997-1009. [PMID: 32996040 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toads of the genus Bufo synthesize and accumulate bufadienolides (BDs) in their parotoid glands. BDs are cardiotonic steroids that play an important role in defense against the toads' predators. Three bufonid taxa occur in mainland Japan, Bufo japonicus formosus, B. j. japonicus, and B. torrenticola. The chemical structures of BDs isolated from B. j. formosus were studied several decades ago, but there is no further information on the toxic components of Japanese toads and their metabolism. In this study, we analyzed BDs of toads from throughout Japan and compared the BD profiles by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). We observed BDs in three taxa of Japanese toads, and identified five of the most common BDs by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Of the five BDs, only bufalin was detected in all individuals. HCA of individual BD profiles divided the three taxa into five primary clusters and several subclusters. This result indicates that BD profiles differ both among and within the taxa. The clustering pattern of BDs is generally concordant with a phylogenetic tree reconstructed from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of Japanese toads. Our results suggest that the BDs of Japanese toads have diversified not in response to specific selective pressures, but simply due to population structuring over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takato Inoue
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ryu Nakata
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, 1-1 Nanjo Otani, Sogabe, Kameoka, Kyoto, 621-8555, Japan
| | - Alan H Savitzky
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-5305, USA
| | - Naoko Yoshinaga
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Akira Mori
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakwa, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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30
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Kudo Y, Hanifin CT, Kotaki Y, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Structures of N-Hydroxy-Type Tetrodotoxin Analogues and Bicyclic Guanidinium Compounds Found in Toxic Newts. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:2706-2717. [PMID: 32896120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1), a potent neurotoxin widely distributed in marine and terrestrial metazoans, remains unresolved. A significant issue has been identifying intermediates and shunt products associated with the biosynthetic pathway of TTX. We investigated TTX biosynthesis by screening and identifying new TTX-related compounds from Cynops ensicauda popei and Taricha granulosa. Mass spectrometry (MS)-guided screening identified two new N-hydroxy TTX analogues in newts: 1-hydroxy-8-epiTTX (2) and 1-hydroxy-8-epi-5,11-dideoxyTTX (3, previously reported as 1-hydroxy-5,11-dideoxyTTX). We prepared a new analogue, 8-epi-5,11-dideoxyTTX (4), from 3 via N-OH reduction and confirmed the presence of 4 in T. granulosa using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-LCMS. The presence of 8-epi-type TTX analogues in both Cynops and Taricha supports a branched biosynthetic pathway of terrestrial TTX, which produces 6- and 8-epimers. In addition, new bicyclic guanidinium compounds Tgr-238 (5) and Tgr-240 (6) were identified as putative shunt products of our proposed TTX biosynthesis pathway. A structural analysis of Cep-228A (7), another bicyclic compound, was performed using NMR. Based on the structures of 5-7 and their analogues, we propose a model of the shunt and metabolic pathways of the terrestrial TTX biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kudo
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - Charles T Hanifin
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Uintah Basin Campus, 320 N. Aggie Boulevard (2000 W.), Vernal, Utah 84078, United States
| | - Yuichi Kotaki
- Fukushima College, 1-1 Chigoike Miyashiro, Fukushima 960-0181, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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31
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Hague MTJ, Stokes AN, Feldman CR, Brodie ED, Brodie ED. The geographic mosaic of arms race coevolution is closely matched to prey population structure. Evol Lett 2020; 4:317-332. [PMID: 32774881 PMCID: PMC7403720 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reciprocal adaptation is the hallmark of arms race coevolution. Local coadaptation between natural enemies should generate a geographic mosaic pattern where both species have roughly matched abilities across their shared range. However, mosaic variation in ecologically relevant traits can also arise from processes unrelated to reciprocal selection, such as population structure or local environmental conditions. We tested whether these alternative processes can account for trait variation in the geographic mosaic of arms race coevolution between resistant garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and toxic newts (Taricha granulosa). We found that predator resistance and prey toxin levels are functionally matched in co-occurring populations, suggesting that mosaic variation in the armaments of both species results from the local pressures of reciprocal selection. By the same token, phenotypic and genetic variation in snake resistance deviates from neutral expectations of population genetic differentiation, showing a clear signature of adaptation to local toxin levels in newts. Contrastingly, newt toxin levels are best predicted by genetic differentiation among newt populations, and to a lesser extent, by the local environment and snake resistance. Exaggerated armaments suggest that coevolution occurs in certain hotspots, but prey population structure seems to be of particular influence on local phenotypic variation in both species throughout the geographic mosaic. Our results imply that processes other than reciprocal selection, like historical biogeography and environmental pressures, represent an important source of variation in the geographic mosaic of coevolution. Such a pattern supports the role of "trait remixing" in the geographic mosaic theory, the process by which non-adaptive forces dictate spatial variation in the interactions among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T J Hague
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana 59812.,Department of Biology University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia 22904
| | - Amber N Stokes
- Department of Biology California State University Bakersfield California 93311
| | - Chris R Feldman
- Department of Biology University of Nevada Reno Nevada 89557
| | - Edmund D Brodie
- Department of Biology Utah State University Logan Utah 84322
| | - Edmund D Brodie
- Department of Biology University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia 22904
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32
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Reimche JS, Brodie ED, Stokes AN, Ely EJ, Moniz HA, Thill VL, Hallas JM, Pfrender ME, Brodie ED, Feldman CR. The geographic mosaic in parallel: Matching patterns of newt tetrodotoxin levels and snake resistance in multiple predator-prey pairs. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:1645-1657. [PMID: 32198924 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The Geographic Mosaic Theory of Coevolution predicts that coevolutionary arms races will vary over time and space because of the diverse ecological settings and population histories of interacting species across the landscape. Thus, understanding coevolution may require investigating broad sets of populations sampled across the range of the interaction. In addition, comparing coevolutionary dynamics between similar systems may reveal the importance of specific factors that structure coevolution. Here, we examine geographic patterns of prey traits and predator traits in the relatively unstudied interaction between the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) and sympatric prey, the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa), Sierra newt (Ta. sierrae) and California newt (Ta. torosa). This system parallels, in space and phenotypes, a classic example of coevolution between predatory common garter snakes (Th. sirtalis) and their toxic newt prey exhibiting hotspots of newt tetrodotoxin (TTX) levels and matching snake TTX resistance. We quantified prey and predator traits from hundreds of individuals across their distributions, and functional trait matching at sympatric sites. We show strong regional patterns of trait covariation across the shared ranges of Th. couchii and newt prey. Traits differ significantly among localities, with lower newt TTX levels and snake TTX resistance at the northern latitudes, and higher TTX levels and snake resistance at southern latitudes. Newts and snakes in northern populations show the highest degree of functional trait matching despite possessing the least extreme traits. Conversely, newts and snakes in southern populations show the greatest mismatch despite possessing exaggerated traits, with some snakes so resistant to TTX they would be unaffected by any sympatric newt. Nevertheless, individual variation was substantial, and appears to offer the opportunity for continued reciprocal selection in most populations. Overall, the three species of newts appear to be engaged in a TTX-mediated arms race with Th. couchii. These patterns are congruent with those seen between newts and Th. sirtalis, including the same latitudinal gradient in trait covariation, and the potential 'escape' from the arms race by snake predators. Such concordance in broad scale patterns across two distinct systems suggests common phenomena might structure geographic mosaics in similar ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Reimche
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Edmund D Brodie
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Amber N Stokes
- Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, CA, USA
| | - Erica J Ely
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Department of Herpetology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haley A Moniz
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Vicki L Thill
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Joshua M Hallas
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Michael E Pfrender
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Edmund D Brodie
- Mountain Lake Biological Station and Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chris R Feldman
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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33
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Vaelli PM, Theis KR, Williams JE, O'Connell LA, Foster JA, Eisthen HL. The skin microbiome facilitates adaptive tetrodotoxin production in poisonous newts. eLife 2020; 9:e53898. [PMID: 32254021 PMCID: PMC7138609 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) use tetrodotoxin (TTX) to block voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels as a chemical defense against predation. Interestingly, newts exhibit extreme population-level variation in toxicity attributed to a coevolutionary arms race with TTX-resistant predatory snakes, but the source of TTX in newts is unknown. Here, we investigated whether symbiotic bacteria isolated from toxic newts could produce TTX. We characterized the skin-associated microbiota from a toxic and non-toxic population of newts and established pure cultures of isolated bacterial symbionts from toxic newts. We then screened bacterial culture media for TTX using LC-MS/MS and identified TTX-producing bacterial strains from four genera, including Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, and Sphingopyxis. Additionally, we sequenced the Nav channel gene family in toxic newts and found that newts expressed Nav channels with modified TTX binding sites, conferring extreme physiological resistance to TTX. This study highlights the complex interactions among adaptive physiology, animal-bacterial symbiosis, and ecological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patric M Vaelli
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Kevin R Theis
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Janet E Williams
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of IdahoMoscowUnited States
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of IdahoMoscowUnited States
| | | | - James A Foster
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of IdahoMoscowUnited States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of IdahoMoscowUnited States
| | - Heather L Eisthen
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Murakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Tatsuya Toma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Tohru Fukuyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokoshima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
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35
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Mebs D, Yotsu-Yamashita M, Hartmann K, Elbert C, Zehner R, Toennes SW. Revisited - Failure of tetrodotoxin to protect red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, from endoparasites. Toxicon 2020; 178:77-81. [PMID: 32250750 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens, contain tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogue 6-epiTTX in variable concentrations. In a follow-up study, newts were sampled from a pond in Pennsylvania, USA, in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Their toxin levels were assayed by liquid-chromatography-fluorescence detection (LC-FLD), and assessment of their infection with endoparasites such as nematodes and helminths was performed by histological examination of internal organs. In the 2010 and 2014 samples, average prevalence of parasite infection was 53 and 60%, respectively, but reached 100% in the 2018 sample, where metacercaria stages of the digenean trematode genus Australapatemon/Apatemon (family: Strigeidae) were predominant causing severe tissue damage in liver and kidney. Mean values of TTX and 6-epiTTX were not significantly different in parasitized or parasite-free newts over the study period, confirming previous findings that host toxicity and parasite load are not negatively correlated. Whereas the role of TTX in defence against predators is undisputed, its efficacy to prevent parasitic infections is less obvious. Toxin-resistance of various metazoan parasites may promote their widespread occurrence in poisonous newts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Mebs
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Katharina Hartmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Elbert
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Richard Zehner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596, Frankfurt, Germany
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36
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Tonon LAC, de Azevedo GPR, Monteiro AF, Bernardi DI, Gubiani JR, Ióca LP, Mattsson HK, Moreira APB, Gomes AF, Pires Junior OR, da S G Pedrosa C, Souza LRQ, Rehen SK, Thompson CC, Thompson FL, Berlinck RGS. New tetrodotoxin analogs in Brazilian pufferfishes tissues and microbiome. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125211. [PMID: 31896201 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While tetrodotoxin (TTX) is commonly found in pufferfish tissues, it is unclear if bacterial symbionts isolated from pufferfish tissues can produce TTX. In this investigation, UPLC qTOF-MS/MS analysis of tissue extracts obtained from Sphoeroides spengleri and Canthigaster figuereidoi identified TTX in their composition, indicating their consumption is unsafe. UPLC qTOF-MS/MS analysis coupled with Molecular Networking indicated new TTX analogs (methyl-TTX, TTX-acetate, hydroxypropyl-TTX and glycerol-TTX). Bacterial extracts from sixteen strains revealed a compound with a [M+H]+ ion at m/z 320.1088, identical to TTX. However, TTX itself was not detected in these cultures by UPLC-MS/MS. Neurotoxicity of Vibrio A665 purified fraction 2 (with precursor [M+H]+ ion at m/z 320.1088) was significant in human neural stem cells (hNSCs), but the Nav blockage activity was not confirmed by the veratridine/ouabain essays, indicating a possible difference in the mechanism of action between the bacterium A665 purified fraction 2 and TTX. Vibrios symbionts of pufferfish point out involving in the production of TTX precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane A Chimetto Tonon
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo P R de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Afif F Monteiro
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Darlon I Bernardi
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana R Gubiani
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Laura P Ióca
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Hannah K Mattsson
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula B Moreira
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Stevens K Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), RJ, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristiane C Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil.
| | - Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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37
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Murakami K, Toma T, Fukuyama T, Yokoshima S. Total Synthesis of Tetrodotoxin. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:6253-6257. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201916611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Murakami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Tatsuya Toma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Tohru Fukuyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokoshima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesNagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
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38
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Abstract
Many species of salamanders (newts and salamanders per se) have a pivotal role in energy flow pathways as they include individuals functioning as prey, competitors, and predators. Here, I synthesize historic and contemporary research on the reciprocal ecological role of salamanders as predators and prey in aquatic systems. Salamanders are a keystone in ecosystem functioning through a combination of top–down control, energy transfer, nutrient cycling processes, and carbon retention. The aquatic developmental stages of salamanders are able to feed on a wide variety of invertebrate prey captured close to the bottom as well as on small conspecifics (cannibalism) or other sympatric species, but can also consume terrestrial invertebrates on the water surface. This capacity to consume allochthonous resources (terrestrial invertebrates) highlights the key role of salamanders as couplers of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (i.e., aquatic–terrestrial linkages). Salamanders are also an important food resource for other vertebrates such as fish, snakes, and mammals, covering the energy demands of these species at higher trophic levels. This study emphasizes the ecological significance of salamanders in aquatic systems as central players in energy flow pathways, enabling energy mobility among trophic levels (i.e., vertical energy flow) and between freshwater and terrestrial habitats (i.e., lateral energy flow).
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39
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Condez TH, Haddad CFB, Zamudio KR. Historical biogeography and multi-trait evolution in miniature toadlets of the genus Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Evolutionary changes towards a miniaturized body plan may directly affect other important phenotypic traits related to the physiology, behaviour and ecology of organisms. The frog genus Brachycephalus is an outstanding example of a radiation of miniaturized species endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We inferred ancestral states and historical changes in body size, body colour and hyperossification to test hypotheses about diversification and selective environmental mechanisms leading to the evolution of these specialized traits. The ancestral distribution was associated with high-elevation regions in the northern Serra do Mar mountain range, and diversification in the genus was coincident with important geological and climatic events during the history of the Atlantic Forest. The dynamic historical changes provided an opportunity for multiple lowland lineages and for speciation via dispersal and vicariance in multiple invasions of the highlands. The ancestral Brachycephalus was reconstructed as miniaturized and dull coloured, without hyperossification in the skin, skull or postcranial skeleton. A parallel evolution of phenotypic traits has occurred in northern and southern Atlantic Forest lineages, beginning in the Miocene. Shifts in body size are not related to elevation range or latitude. However, we found a significant correlation between the evolution of hyperossification and aposematism with increasing body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais H Condez
- Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica (INMA), Avenida José Ruschi, Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Departamento de Zoologia e Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly R Zamudio
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Cornell University, Corson Hall, Ithaca, New York, United States
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40
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Mailho-Fontana PL, Jared C, Antoniazzi MM, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC, Stokes AN, Grant T, Brodie ED, Brodie ED. Variations in tetrodotoxin levels in populations of Taricha granulosa are expressed in the morphology of their cutaneous glands. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18490. [PMID: 31811169 PMCID: PMC6897900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most toxic substances in nature, is present in bacteria, invertebrates, fishes, and amphibians. Marine organisms seem to bioaccumulate TTX from their food or acquire it from symbiotic bacteria, but its origin in amphibians is unclear. Taricha granulosa can exhibit high TTX levels, presumably concentrated in skin poison glands, acting as an agent of selection upon predatory garter snakes (Thamnophis). This co-evolutionary arms race induces variation in T. granulosa TTX levels, from very high to undetectable. Using morphology and biochemistry, we investigated differences in toxin localization and quality between two populations at the extremes of toxicity. TTX concentration within poison glands is related to the volume of a single cell type in which TTX occurs exclusively in distinctive secretory granules, suggesting a relationship between granule structure and chemical composition. TTX was detected in mucous glands in both populations, contradicting the general understanding that these glands do not secrete defensive chemicals and expanding currently held interpretations of amphibian skin gland functionality. Skin secretions of the two populations differed in low-mass molecules and proteins. Our results demonstrate that interpopulation variation in TTX levels is related to poison gland morphology.
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41
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Convergent and parallel evolution in a voltage-gated sodium channel underlies TTX-resistance in the Greater Blue-ringed Octopus: Hapalochlaena lunulata. Toxicon 2019; 170:77-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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42
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Guardone L, Maneschi A, Meucci V, Gasperetti L, Nucera D, Armani A. A Global Retrospective Study on Human Cases of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) Poisoning after Seafood Consumption. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2019.1669162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Guardone
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Maneschi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Meucci
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Gasperetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lazio e Toscana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Nucera
- Department of Agriculture, Forest and Food Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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43
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Kudo Y, Yotsu-Yamashita M. Isolation and Biological Activity of 8- Epitetrodotoxin and the Structure of a Possible Biosynthetic Shunt Product of Tetrodotoxin, Cep-226A, from the Newt Cynops ensicauda popei. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 82:1656-1663. [PMID: 31117524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1), a potent neurotoxin, has been found in various animal species in both marine and terrestrial environments. In this study, a new TTX analogue, 8- epiTTX (2), and a possible biosynthetic shunt compound of TTX, Cep-226A (3), were isolated from the newt Cynops ensicauda popei. The voltage-gated sodium ion channel (Nav) blocking activity of 2 and 6- epiTTX (4), a known analogue, were investigated by a colorimetric cell-based assay and compared with that of 1. The EC50 values for 2 and 4 were determined to be 110 ± 40 and 33 ± 11 nM, respectively, which were larger than that of 1 (1.9 ± 0.7 nM). The results indicated that the equatorial hydroxy group at C-8 in TTX significantly contributes to its Nav blocking activity, whereas the 6-epimer of TTX retains substantial activity, consistent with its previously reported toxicity in mice and binding affinity to rat brain membrane preparations. The presence of these epimers of TTX (2 and 4) and Cep-226A (3) in newts supports our hypothesis that TTX is derived from a monoterpene in terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science , Tohoku University , 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku , Sendai , Miyagi 980-8572 , Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences , Tohoku University , 6-3 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku , Sendai , Miyagi 980-8578 , Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science , Tohoku University , 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku , Sendai , Miyagi 980-8572 , Japan
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44
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Lukowski AL, Narayan ARH. Natural Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Ligands: Biosynthesis and Biology. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1231-1241. [PMID: 30605564 PMCID: PMC6579537 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural product biosynthetic pathways are composed of enzymes that use powerful chemistry to assemble complex molecules. Small molecule neurotoxins are examples of natural products with intricate scaffolds which often have high affinities for their biological targets. The focus of this Minireview is small molecule neurotoxins targeting voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and the state of knowledge on their associated biosynthetic pathways. There are three small molecule neurotoxin receptor sites on VGSCs associated with three different classes of molecules: guanidinium toxins, alkaloid toxins, and ladder polyethers. Each of these types of toxins have unique structural features which are assembled by biosynthetic enzymes and the extent of information known about these enzymes varies among each class. The biosynthetic enzymes involved in the formation of these toxins have the potential to become useful tools in the efficient synthesis of VGSC probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Lukowski
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, 210 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Alison R H Narayan
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, 210 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, 210 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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45
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Smiroldo G, Villa A, Tremolada P, Gariano P, Balestrieri A, Delfino M. Amphibians in Eurasian otter
Lutra lutra
diet: osteological identification unveils hidden prey richness and male‐biased predation on anurans. Mamm Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Smiroldo
- Department of Environmental Sciences and PolicyUniversity of Milan Via G. Celoria, 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Andrea Villa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della TerraUniversità di Torino Via Valperga Caluso 35 10125 Torino Italy
| | - Paolo Tremolada
- Department of Environmental Sciences and PolicyUniversity of Milan Via G. Celoria, 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Balestrieri
- Department of Environmental Sciences and PolicyUniversity of Milan Via G. Celoria, 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
| | - Massimo Delfino
- Department of Environmental Sciences and PolicyUniversity of Milan Via G. Celoria, 26 I‐20133 Milan Italy
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel CrusafontUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona Edifici ICP, Campus de la UAB s/n 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès Barcelona Spain
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46
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Adachi M, Miyasaka T, Kudo Y, Sugimoto K, Yotsu-Yamashita M, Nishikawa T. Total Syntheses and Determination of Absolute Configurations of Cep-212 and Cep-210, Predicted Biosynthetic Intermediates of Tetrodotoxin Isolated from Toxic Newt. Org Lett 2019; 21:780-784. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b04043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaatsu Adachi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tadachika Miyasaka
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yuta Kudo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Keita Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Mari Yotsu-Yamashita
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8572, Japan
| | - Toshio Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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47
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Whitelaw BL, Cooke IR, Finn J, Zenger K, Strugnell JM. The evolution and origin of tetrodotoxin acquisition in the blue-ringed octopus (genus Hapalochlaena). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 206:114-122. [PMID: 30472480 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin is a potent non-proteinaceous neurotoxin, which is commonly found in the marine environment. Synthesised by bacteria, tetrodotoxin has been isolated from the tissues of several genera including pufferfish, salamanders and octopus. Believed to provide a defensive function, the independent evolution of tetrodotoxin sequestration is poorly understood in most species. Two mechanisms of tetrodotoxin resistance have been identified to date, tetrodotoxin binding proteins in the circulatory system and mutations to voltage gated sodium channels, the binding target of tetrodotoxin with the former potentially succeeding the latter in evolutionary time. This review focuses on the evolution of tetrodotoxin acquisition, in particular how it may have occurred within the blue-ringed octopus genus (Hapalochlaena) and the subsequent impact on venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L Whitelaw
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Ira R Cooke
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3086, Vic. Australia
| | - Julian Finn
- Sciences, Museum Victoria, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
| | - Kyall Zenger
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - J M Strugnell
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3086, Vic. Australia
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48
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An Investigation into Tetrodotoxin (TTX) Levels Associated with the Red Dorsal Spots in Eastern Newt ( Notophthalmus viridescens) Efts and Adults. J Toxicol 2018; 2018:9196865. [PMID: 30245715 PMCID: PMC6139183 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9196865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the concentration of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in sections of skin containing and lacking red dorsal spots in both Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) efts and adults. Several other species, such as Pleurodeles waltl and Echinotriton andersoni, have granular glands concentrated in brightly pigmented regions on the dorsum, and thus we hypothesized that the red dorsal spots of Eastern newts may also possess higher levels of TTX than the surrounding skin. We found no difference between the concentrations of TTX in the red spots as compared to neighboring skin lacking these spots in either efts or adults. However, efts with more red dorsal spots had elevated TTX levels relative to efts with fewer spots.
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Geographic range expansion of tetrodotoxin in amphibians – First record in Atelopus hoogmoedi from the Guiana Shield. Toxicon 2018; 150:175-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Sodium channels and pain: from toxins to therapies. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2138-2157. [PMID: 28749537 PMCID: PMC5980290 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV channels) are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials that critically influence our ability to respond to a diverse range of stimuli. Physiological and pharmacological studies have linked abnormal function of NaV channels to many human disorders, including chronic neuropathic pain. These findings, along with the description of the functional properties and expression pattern of NaV channel subtypes, are helping to uncover subtype specific roles in acute and chronic pain and revealing potential opportunities to target these with selective inhibitors. High-throughput screens and automated electrophysiology platforms have identified natural toxins as a promising group of molecules for the development of target-specific analgesics. In this review, the role of toxins in defining the contribution of NaV channels in acute and chronic pain states and their potential to be used as analgesic therapies are discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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