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

Author

Listed:
  • Shabnam Zaman

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Birgit Lengerer

    (University of Mons
    University of Innsbruck)

  • 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
    HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences)

  • Patrick Flammang

    (University of Mons)

  • Kim Roelants

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Shabnam Zaman & Birgit Lengerer & Joris Lindt & Indra Saenen & Giorgio Russo & Laura Bossaer & Sebastien Carpentier & Peter Tompa & Patrick Flammang & Kim Roelants, 2024. "Recurrent evolution of adhesive defence systems in amphibians by parallel shifts in gene expression," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49917-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49917-3
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