Recurrent evolution of adhesive defence systems in amphibians by parallel shifts in gene expression

Shabnam Zaman, Birgit Lengerer, Joris Van Lindt, Indra Saenen, Giorgio Russo, Laura Bossaer, Sebastien Carpentier, Peter Tompa, Patrick Flammang, Kim Roelants

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Natural selection can drive organisms to strikingly similar adaptive solutions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms often remain unknown. Several amphibians have independently evolved highly adhesive skin secretions (glues) that support a highly effective antipredator defence mechanism. Here we demonstrate that the glue of the Madagascan tomato frog, Dyscophus guineti, relies on two interacting proteins: a highly derived member of a widespread glycoprotein family and a galectin. Identification of homologous proteins in other amphibians reveals that these proteins attained a function in skin long before glues evolved. Yet, major elevations in their expression, besides structural changes in the glycoprotein (increasing its structural disorder and glycosylation), caused the independent rise of glues in at least two frog lineages. Besides providing a model for the chemical functioning of animal adhesive secretions, our findings highlight how recruiting ancient molecular templates may facilitate the recurrent evolution of functional innovations.
Original languageEnglish
Article number5612
Number of pages13
JournalNature Communications
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jul 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Recurrent evolution of adhesive defence systems in amphibians by parallel shifts in gene expression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this