Autor: |
Raaymakers, Constantijn, Verbrugghe, Elin, Hernot, Sophie, Hellebuyck, Tom, Betti, Cecilia, Peleman, Cindy, Claeys, Myriam, Bert, Wim, Caveliers, Vicky, Ballet, Steven, Martel, An, Pasmans, Frank, Roelants, Kim |
Přispěvatelé: |
Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Supporting clinical sciences, Medical Imaging, Clinical sciences, Chemistry, Translational Imaging Research Alliance, Ecology and Systematics, Amphibian Evolution Lab |
Jazyk: |
angličtina |
Rok vydání: |
2017 |
Předmět: |
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Popis: |
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. |
Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
Externí odkaz: |
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