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Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord

Meaghan K. Smith, Bronwyn A. Rotgans, Tomas Lang, Ryan Johnston, Tianfang Wang, Saowaros Suwansa-ard, Utpal Bose, Nori Satoh, Michaela Egertova, Michael R. Hall, …
Scientific Reports, Vol.13(1), pp.1-12
2023
PMCID: PMC9971248
PMID: 36849815
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Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.) radial nerve cord3.34 MBDownloadView
Published Version Open Access CC BY V4.0
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s41598-023-34881-7886.86 kBDownloadView
Correction Open Access CC BY V4.0
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https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30425-1View
Published Version
url
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34881-7View
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Abstract

The nervous system of the Asteroidea (starfish or seastar) consists of radial nerve cords (RNCs) that interconnect with a ring nerve. Despite its relative simplicity, it facilitates the movement of multiple arms and numerous tube feet, as well as regeneration of damaged limbs. Here, we investigated the RNC ultrastructure and its molecular components within the of Pacific crown of thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster sp.), a well known coral predator that in high density outbreaks has major ecological impacts on coral reefs. We describe the presence of an array of unique small bulbous bulbs (40–100 μm diameter) that project from the ectoneural region of the adult RNC. Each comprise large secretory like cells and prominent cilia. In contrast, juvenile COTS and its congener Acanthaster brevispinus lack these features, both of which are non corallivorous. Proteomic analysis of the RNC (and isolated neural bulbs) provides the first comprehensive echinoderm protein database for neural tissue, including numerous secreted proteins associated with signalling, transport and defence. The neural bulbs contained several neuropeptides (e.g., bombyxin type, starfish myorelaxant peptide, secretogranin 7B2 like, Ap15a like, and ApNp35) and Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumor 1 like proteins. In summary, this study provides a new insight into the novel traits of COTS, a major pest on coral reefs, and a proteomics resource that can be used to develop (bio)control strategies and understand molecular mechanisms of regeneration.

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