Files and links (2)
Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci cf. solaris) radial nerve cord7.33 MB
Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci cf. solaris) radial nerve cord
Research Square, Vol.5 October 2022
Research Square Company
2022
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 (Acanthaster cf. solaris), 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 A. cf. solaris and its congener Acanthaster brevispinus lack these features, both of which are non-corallivorous. We hypothesise that adult neural bulbs might be an adaptation to corallivory. 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 A. cf. solaris, a major coral pest, and a proteomics resource that can be used to develop (bio)control strategies and understand molecular mechanisms of regeneration.
Details
- Title
- Structure and proteomic analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci cf. solaris) radial nerve cord
- Authors
- Meaghan K Smith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacyBronwyn Rotgans (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationRyan Johnston (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringTomas Lang (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringTianfang Wang (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - LegacySaowaros Suwansa-ard (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringUtpal Bose (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacyNori Satoh (Author) - Okinawa Institute of Science and TechnologyMichaela Egertova (Author) - Queen Mary University of LondonMichael R Hall (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceMaria Bryne (Author) - The University of SydneyMaurice R Elphick (Author) - Queen Mary University of LondonCherie A Motti (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceScott Cummins (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- Research Square, Vol.5 October 2022
- Publisher
- Research Square Company
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2108215/v1
- ISSN
- 2693-5015
- Copyright note
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Organisation Unit
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering; School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99680498702621
- Output Type
- Preprint
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
110 Record Views