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

Constantijn Raaymakers, Elin Verbrugghe, Sophie Hernot, Tom Hellebuyck, Cecilia Betti, Cindy Peleman, Myriam Claeys, Wim Bert, Vicky Caveliers, Steven Ballet, An Martel, Frank Pasmans and Kim Roelants ()
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Constantijn Raaymakers: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Elin Verbrugghe: Ghent University
Sophie Hernot: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Tom Hellebuyck: Ghent University
Cecilia Betti: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Cindy Peleman: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Myriam Claeys: Ghent University
Wim Bert: Ghent University
Vicky Caveliers: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Steven Ballet: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
An Martel: Ghent University
Frank Pasmans: Ghent University
Kim Roelants: Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01710-1

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