Characterization of mucus-associated proteins from abalone (Haliotis) – candidates for chemical signaling

Chitraporn Kuanpradit; Michael J Stewart; P S York; B M Degnan; P Sobhon; P J Hanna; J Chavadej; Scott F Cummins

doi:10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08436.x

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Characterization of mucus-associated proteins from abalone (Haliotis) – candidates for chemical signaling

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Characterization of mucus-associated proteins from abalone (Haliotis) – candidates for chemical signaling

Chitraporn Kuanpradit, Michael J Stewart, P S York, B M Degnan, P Sobhon, P J Hanna, J Chavadej and Scott F Cummins

The FEBS journal, Vol.279(3), pp.437-450

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08436.x

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Abstract

abalone

animal aggregation

Haliotis

mucus-associated proteins

RP-HPLC

Living in groups is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom. For free-spawning aquatic animals, such as the abalone (Haliotis), being in the close proximity to potential mating partners enhances reproductive success. In this study, we investigated whether chemical cues could be present in abalone mucus that enable species-specific aggregation. A comparative MS analysis of mucus obtained from trailing or fixed stationary Haliotis asinina, and from seawater surrounding aggregations, indicated that water-soluble biomolecules are present and that these can stimulate sensory activity in conspecifics. Purified extracts of trail mucus contain at least three small proteins [termed H. asinina mucus-associated proteins (Has-MAPs)-1-3], which readily diffuse into the surrounding seawater and evoke a robust cephalic tentacle response in conspecifics. Mature Has-MAP-1 is approximately 9.9 kDa in size, and has a glycine-rich N-terminal region. Has-MAP-2 is approximately 6.2 kDa in size, and has similarities to schistosomin, a protein that is known to play a role in mollusc reproduction. The mature Has-MAP-3 is approximately 12.5 kDa in size, and could only be identified within trail mucus of animals outside of the reproductive season. All three Has-MAP genes are expressed at high levels within secretory cells of the juvenile abalone posterior pedal gland, consistent with a role in scent marking. We infer from these results that abalone mucus-associated proteins are candidate chemical cues that could provide informational cues to conspecifics living in close proximity and, given their apparent stability and hydrophilicity, animals further afield.

Details

Title: Characterization of mucus-associated proteins from abalone (Haliotis) – candidates for chemical signaling
Authors: Chitraporn Kuanpradit (Author) - Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Michael J Stewart (Author) - University of Tasmania
P S York (Author) - University of Queensland
B M Degnan (Author) - University of Queensland
P Sobhon (Author) - Mahidol University, Thailand
P J Hanna (Author) - Mahidol University, Thailand
J Chavadej (Author) - Mahidol University, Thailand
Scott F Cummins (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: The FEBS journal, Vol.279(3), pp.437-450
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08436.x
ISSN: 1742-464X
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450040802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology