Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators

Abstract

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.

Rapid toxin sequestration modifies poison frog physiology

“…Rather, CVF-like proteins activate complement C3 and deplete the complement system in the victim, which increases vascular permeability at the envenomation site, spreading the toxins throughout the prey faster (Vogel and Fritzinger, 2010). Although the function of CVF-like proteins in amphibians is unknown, they could have alkaloid absorption enhancing capabilities, as has been suggested for other amphibian skin peptides (Raaymakers et al, 2017), but further testing is necessary to establish this as a complement-dependent phenomenon.…”

Rapid Sterilization and Accelerated Wound Healing Using Zn2+ and Graphene Oxide Modified g‐C3N4 under Dual Light Irradiation

“…Wound healing is usually accompanied with bacterial infection and therapies involving antibiotics are often required . However, excessive use of antibiotics leads to drug resistance and formation of superbacteria, and may also causes side effects to impair the immune system.…”

Eradicating Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Rapidly Using a Multi Functional g‐C3N4@ Bi2S3 Nanorod Heterojunction with or without Antibiotics

“…Indeed, some small‐molecular‐weight antibiotics (for instance, tetracyclines and vancomycin) are toxic and can trigger anaphylaxis or other side effects . In addition, the process of wound healing is often accompanied by bacterial infections and can be delayed by persistent MRSA or other pathogens because of the serious inflammation that follows . Hence, it is urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies that can effectively kill MRSA and promote tissue regeneration simultaneously.…”