Venomics Reveals a Non-Compartmentalised Venom Gland in the Early Diverged Vermivorous Conus distans

Prashanth, Jutty Rajan; Dutertre, Sébastien; Kumar, Subash; Lewis, Richard J.

doi:10.3390/toxins14030226

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…3b,c), whereas the juvenile VG was non-compartmentalised (Supplementary Fig. 2b,c), as seen in the early divergent vermivorous C. distans 57 . Functional characterisation of juvenile proximal and distal VG was impeded by the small size of the VG.…”

Section: Juvenile and Adult C Magus Secrete Distinct Vg Proteomesmentioning

confidence: 82%

Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail

Rogalski

S.W.A.

Lewis

2022

Preprint

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Marine cone snails have attracted researchers from all disciplines but early life stages have received limited attention due to difficulties accessing or rearing juvenile specimens. Here, we document for the first time the culture of Conus magus from eggs through metamorphosis to reveal dramatic shifts in predatory feeding behaviour between post-metamorphic juveniles and adult specimens. Adult C. magus capture fish using a set of paralytic venom peptides combined with a hooked radular tooth used to tether envenomed fish. In contrast, early juveniles feed exclusively on polychaete worms using a unique “sting-and-stalk” foraging behaviour facilitated by short, unbarbed radular teeth and a distinct venom repertoire that induces hypoactivity in prey. Our results demonstrate how coordinated morphological, behavioural and molecular changes facilitate the shift from worm- to fish-hunting in C. magus, and showcase juvenile cone snails as a rich and unexplored source of novel venom peptides for ecological, evolutionary and biodiscovery studies.

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Section: Juvenile and Adult C Magus Secrete Distinct Vg Proteomesmentioning

confidence: 82%

Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail

Rogalski

S.W.A.

Lewis

2022

Preprint

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“…The conotoxin selection mechanisms are not understood, but likely under the control of the nervous and/or hormonal systems. Importantly, some species from more basal clades show a non-differentiated venom duct, suggesting that they may not have the ability to produce two types of venom, although this remains to be experimentally demonstrated [91]. Ideally, further works on cone snails should systematically include the characterization of predatory and defense venoms when possible.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predatory and Defensive Strategies in Cone Snails

Ratibou,

Inguimbert,

Dutertre

2024

Toxins

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Cone snails are carnivorous marine animals that prey on fish (piscivorous), worms (vermivorous), or other mollusks (molluscivorous). They produce a complex venom mostly made of disulfide-rich conotoxins and conopeptides in a compartmentalized venom gland. The pharmacology of cone snail venom has been increasingly investigated over more than half a century. The rising interest in cone snails was initiated by the surprising high human lethality rate caused by the defensive stings of some species. Although a vast amount of information has been uncovered on their venom composition, pharmacological targets, and mode of action of conotoxins, the venom–ecology relationships are still poorly understood for many lineages. This is especially important given the relatively recent discovery that some species can use different venoms to achieve rapid prey capture and efficient deterrence of aggressors. Indeed, via an unknown mechanism, only a selected subset of conotoxins is injected depending on the intended purpose. Some of these remarkable venom variations have been characterized, often using a combination of mass spectrometry and transcriptomic methods. In this review, we present the current knowledge on such specific predatory and defensive venoms gathered from sixteen different cone snail species that belong to eight subgenera: Pionoconus, Chelyconus, Gastridium, Cylinder, Conus, Stephanoconus, Rhizoconus, and Vituliconus. Further studies are needed to help close the gap in our understanding of the evolved ecological roles of many cone snail venom peptides.

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Evolution of venom production in marine predatory snails

Zancolli,

Modica,

Puillandre

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Venom is a widespread secretion in nature, extensively studied for its toxin components and application potential. Yet, the evolution of venom production remains poorly understood. To address this question, we conducted a comparative transcriptomics analysis of the oesophagus-associated glands in marine predatory gastropods, among which the cone snail venom gland represents a pinnacle of specialisation. We found that the functional divergence and specialisation of the venom gland was achieved through a redistribution of its ancestral digestive functions to other organs, specifically the oesophagus. This entailed concerted expression changes and accelerated transcriptome evolution across the entire digestive system. The increase in venom gland secretory capacity was achieved through the modulation of an ancient secretory machinery, particularly genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response. On the other hand, the emergence of novel genes, involving transposable elements, contributed to the gland regulatory network. Our analysis provides new insights into the genetic basis of functional divergence and highlights the remarkable plasticity of the gastropod digestive system.

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Venomics Reveals a Non-Compartmentalised Venom Gland in the Early Diverged Vermivorous Conus distans

Cited by 5 publications

References 43 publications

Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail

Coordinated adaptations define the ontogenetic shift from worm- to fish-hunting in a venomous cone snail

Predatory and Defensive Strategies in Cone Snails

Evolution of venom production in marine predatory snails

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