Extreme Aggression in Male Squid Induced by a β-MSP-like Pheromone

Scott F Cummins; J G Boal; K C Buresch; C Kuanpradit; P Sobhon; J B Holm; B M Degnan; G T Nagle; R T Hanlon

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2011.01.038

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Extreme Aggression in Male Squid Induced by a β-MSP-like Pheromone

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Extreme Aggression in Male Squid Induced by a β-MSP-like Pheromone

Scott F Cummins, J G Boal, K C Buresch, C Kuanpradit, P Sobhon, J B Holm, B M Degnan, G T Nagle and R T Hanlon

Current Biology - CB, Vol.21(4), pp.322-327

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2011.01.038

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Abstract

squid egg

male-male aggression

pheromone

Male-male aggression is widespread in the animal kingdom and subserves many functions related to the acquisition or retention of resources such as shelter, food, and mates. These functions have been studied widely in the context of sexual selection, yet the proximate mechanisms that trigger or strengthen aggression are not well known for many taxa. Various external sensory cues (visual, audio, chemical) acting alone or in combination stimulate the complex behavioral interactions of fighting behaviors [1]. Here we report the discovery of a 10 kDa protein, termed Loligo β-microseminoprotein (Loligo β-MSP), that immediately and dramatically changes the behavior of male squid from calm swimming and schooling to extreme fighting, even in the absence of females. Females synthesize Loligo β-MSP in their reproductive exocrine glands and embed the protein in the outer tunic of egg capsules, which are deposited on the open sea floor. Males are attracted to the eggs visually, but upon touching them and contacting Loligo β-MSP, they immediately escalate into intense physical fighting with any nearby males. Loligo β-MSP is a distant member of the chordate β-microseminoprotein family [2] found in mammalian reproductive secretions, suggesting that this gene family may have taxonomically widespread roles in sexual competition.

Details

Title: Extreme Aggression in Male Squid Induced by a β-MSP-like Pheromone
Authors: Scott F Cummins (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
J G Boal (Author) - Millersville University, United States
K C Buresch (Author) - Marine Biological Laboratory, United States
C Kuanpradit (Author) - Mahidol University, Thailand
P Sobhon (Author) - Mahidol University, Thailand
J B Holm (Author) - University of Southern California, United States
B M Degnan (Author) - University of Queensland
G T Nagle (Author) - Medical College of Georgia, United States
R T Hanlon (Author) - Marine Biological Laboratory, United States
Publication details: Current Biology - CB, Vol.21(4), pp.322-327
Publisher: Cell Press
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.01.038
ISSN: 0960-9822
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: 99450029802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Biology; Cell Biology

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