Dynamics of venom composition across a complex life cycle

Abstract

Little is known about venom in young developmental stages of animals. The appearance of stinging cells in very early life stages of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis suggests that toxins and venom are synthesized already in eggs, embryos and larvae of this species. Here we harness transcriptomic and biochemical tools as well as transgenesis to study venom production dynamics in Nematostella. We find that the venom composition and arsenal of toxin-producing cells change dramatically between developmental stages of this species. These findings might be explained by the vastly different ecology of the larva and adult polyp as sea anemones develop from a miniature non-feeding mobile planula to a much larger sessile polyp that predates on other animals. Further, the results suggest a much wider and dynamic venom landscape than initially appreciated in animals with a complex life cycle.peer-reviewed)

Reciprocal transplantation of the heterotrophic coral Tubastraea coccinea (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) between distinct habitats did not alter its venom toxin composition

“…For example, Underwood and Seymour () have documented distinct differences in tentacle venom protein profiles using 1D SDS–PAGE analyses between juvenile and mature Carukia barnesi medusae (the highly toxic Australian Irukandji jellyfish). Likewise, Columbus‐Shenkar et al () found also that venom composition changed dramatically between early developmental stages of the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis . Our research will further test the influence of how diet affects the expressed venome composition, by selective transcription and translation of component toxins, which will improve our understanding on how venom evolved in early cnidarian development.…”