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Published VersionCC BY-NC V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A family of crown-of-thorns starfish spine-secreted proteins modify adult conspecific behaviour
iScience, Vol.28(4), pp.1-13
2025
PMID: 40165805
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UniSC News (Clare McKay)Abstract
With growing interest in utilizing semiochemicals to control pest species, recent investigations have begun to consider semiochemicals to control outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS; Acanthaster cf. solaris), a corallivore contributing to coral reef degradation. In this study, differential gene expression analysis of adult CoTS spines led to the identification of (1) numerous G-protein coupled receptor genes enriched at the reproductive stage, possibly reflecting enhanced sensitivity to semiochemicals and (2) genes encoding secreted proteins at the non-reproductive stage. We also demonstrated that these proteins belong to an uncharacterized family of secreted proteins that are unique to Acanthaster spp., being released into the surrounding water. A synthetic peptide mixture derived from this protein family demonstrated no toxicity yet did modify conspecific adult behavior, eliciting attraction. Based on this evidence, we suggest a pheromonal role beyond reproduction. The discovery of these provides a tool for future innovative semiochemical biocontrol in CoTS management strategies.
Details
- Title
- A family of crown-of-thorns starfish spine-secreted proteins modify adult conspecific behaviour
- Authors
- Richard J. Harris (Corresponding Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceAdam K. Hillberg - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringLee D. Bastin - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceBlake S. Lausen - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringSaowaros Suwansa-Ard - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationTianfang Wang - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringAbigail Elizur - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationSakura Kikuchi - Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityKeisuke Nakashima - Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityNoriyuki Satoh - Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityCherie A. Motti - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceScott F. Cummins (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- iScience, Vol.28(4), pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Cell Press
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112161
- ISSN
- 2589-0042
- PMID
- 40165805
- Copyright note
- (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- Requests for further information and resources should be directed to and will be fulfilled by the lead contact, Scott F. Cummins (scummins@usc.edu.au). RNA-sequencing data have been deposited at NCBI as BioProject PRJNA901199 and PRJNA548418, and are publicly available as of the date of publication.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991112034502621
- Output Type
- Journal article