Hyperhydroxylation: a new strategy for neuronal targeting by venomous marine molluscs

Prog Mol Subcell Biol. 2006:43:83-103. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-30880-5_4.

Abstract

Venomous marine molluscs belonging to the genus Conus (cone snails) utilize a unique neurochemical strategy to capture their prey. Their venom is composed of a complex mixture of highly modified peptides (conopeptides) that interact with a wide range of neuronal targets. In this chapter, we describe a set of modifications based upon the hydroxylation of polypeptidic chains that are defining within the neurochemical strategy used by cone snails to capture their prey. In particular, we present a differential hydroxylation strategy that affects the neuronal targeting of a new set of a-conotoxins, mini-M conotoxins, conophans, and y-hydroxyconophans. Differential hydroxylation, preferential hydroxylation and hyperhydroxylation have been observed in these conopeptide families as a means of augmenting the venom arsenal used by cone snails for neuronal targeting and prey capture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Conotoxins / genetics
  • Conotoxins / metabolism*
  • Conus Snail / chemistry*
  • Conus Snail / metabolism*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology
  • Hydroxylation*
  • Marine Biology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Conotoxins
  • Peptides