< Terug naar vorige pagina
Publicatie
Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators. IF 12.353
Tijdschriftbijdrage - Tijdschriftartikel
Animals using toxic peptides and proteins for predation or defense typically depend on specialized morphological structures, like fangs, spines, or a stinger, for effective intoxication. Here we show that amphibian poisons instead incorporate their own molecular system for toxin delivery to attacking predators. Skin-secreted peptides, generally considered part of the amphibian immune system, permeabilize oral epithelial tissue and enable fast access of cosecreted toxins to the predator's bloodstream and organs. This absorption-enhancing system exists in at least three distantly related frog lineages and is likely to be a widespread adaptation, determining the outcome of predator-prey encounters in hundreds of species.
Tijdschrift: Nat Commun
ISSN: 2041-1723
Issue: 1
Volume: 8
Pagina's: 1495
Jaar van publicatie:2017
CSS-citation score:2
Auteurs:International
Toegankelijkheid:Open