Abstract
In Cnidaria, the production of neurotoxic polypeptides is attributed to the ectodermal stinging cells (cnidocytes), which are discharged for offensive (prey capture) and/or defensive purposes. In this study, a new paralysis-inducing (neurotoxic) protein from the green hydra Chlorohydra viridissima was purified, cloned, and expressed. This paralytic protein is unique in that it (1) is derived from a noncnidocystic origin, (2) reveals a clear animal group-selective toxicity, (3) possesses an uncommon primary structure, remindful of pore-forming toxins, and (4) has a fast cytotoxic effect on insect cells but not on the tested mammalian cells. The possible biological role of such a noncnidocystic toxin is discussed.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Body Fluids / chemistry
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Body Fluids / physiology
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Cell Line
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Cloning, Molecular
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Cnidarian Venoms / chemistry*
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Cnidarian Venoms / genetics
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Cnidarian Venoms / isolation & purification
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Cnidarian Venoms / toxicity*
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Cyprinodontiformes
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Diptera / drug effects
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Humans
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Hydra / chemistry*
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Hydra / physiology
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Isopoda / drug effects
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Larva / drug effects
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Neurotoxins / chemistry*
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Neurotoxins / genetics
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Neurotoxins / isolation & purification
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Neurotoxins / toxicity*
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Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
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Species Specificity
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Spodoptera
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Tissue Extracts / chemistry
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Tissue Extracts / physiology
Substances
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Cnidarian Venoms
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Neurotoxins
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Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
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Tissue Extracts
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hydralysin