Recurrent evolution of adhesive defence systems in amphibians by parallel shifts in gene expression

Shabnam Zaman, Birgit Lengerer, Joris Lindt, Indra Saenen, Giorgio Russo, Laura Bossaer, Sebastien Carpentier, Peter Tompa, Patrick Flammang and Kim Roelants ()
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Shabnam Zaman: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Birgit Lengerer: University of Mons
Joris Lindt: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Indra Saenen: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Giorgio Russo: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Laura Bossaer: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Sebastien Carpentier: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Peter Tompa: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Patrick Flammang: University of Mons
Kim Roelants: Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Natural selection can drive organisms to strikingly similar adaptive solutions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms often remain unknown. Several amphibians have independently evolved highly adhesive skin secretions (glues) that support a highly effective antipredator defence mechanism. Here we demonstrate that the glue of the Madagascan tomato frog, Dyscophus guineti, relies on two interacting proteins: a highly derived member of a widespread glycoprotein family and a galectin. Identification of homologous proteins in other amphibians reveals that these proteins attained a function in skin long before glues evolved. Yet, major elevations in their expression, besides structural changes in the glycoprotein (increasing its structural disorder and glycosylation), caused the independent rise of glues in at least two frog lineages. Besides providing a model for the chemical functioning of animal adhesive secretions, our findings highlight how recruiting ancient molecular templates may facilitate the recurrent evolution of functional innovations.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49917-3

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