Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators

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Abstract

Animals using toxic peptides and proteins for predation or defense typically depend on specialized morphological structures, like fangs, spines, or a stinger, for effective intoxication. Here we show that amphibian poisons instead incorporate their own molecular system for toxin delivery to attacking predators. Skin-secreted peptides, generally considered part of the amphibian immune system, permeabilize oral epithelial tissue and enable fast access of cosecreted toxins to the predator's bloodstream and organs. This absorption-enhancing system exists in at least three distantly related frog lineages and is likely to be a widespread adaptation, determining the outcome of predator-prey encounters in hundreds of species.

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Raaymakers, C., Verbrugghe, E., Hernot, S., Hellebuyck, T., Betti, C., Peleman, C., … Roelants, K. (2017). Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators. Nature Communications, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01710-1

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