Complementary mechanisms for neurotoxin resistance in a copepod

Overview
TitleComplementary mechanisms for neurotoxin resistance in a copepod
AuthorsRoncalli V, Lenz PH, Cieslak MC, Hartline DK
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameScientific reports
Volume7
Issue1
Year2017
Page(s)14201
CitationRoncalli V, Lenz PH, Cieslak MC, Hartline DK. Complementary mechanisms for neurotoxin resistance in a copepod. Scientific reports. 2017 Oct 27; 7(1):14201.

Abstract

Toxin resistance is a recurring evolutionary response by predators feeding on toxic prey. These adaptations impact physiological interaction and community ecology. Mechanisms for resistance vary depending on the predator and the nature of the toxin. Potent neurotoxins like tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) that are highly toxic to humans and other vertebrates, target conserved voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) of nerve and muscle, causing paralysis. The copepod Calanus finmarchicus consumes the STX-producing dinoflagellate, Alexandrium fundyense with no effect on survival. Using transcriptomic approaches to search for the mechanism that confers resistance in C. finmarchicus, we identified splice variants of NaVs that were predicted to be toxin resistant. These were co-expressed with putatively non-resistant form in all developmental stages. However its expression was unresponsive to toxin challenge nor was there any up-regulation of genes involved in multi-xenobiotic resistance (MXR) or detoxification (phases I or II). Instead, adults consistently regulated genes encoding digestive enzymes, possibly to complement channel resistance by limiting toxin assimilation via the digestive process. The nauplii, which were more susceptible to STX, did not regulate these enzymes. This study demonstrates how deep-sequencing technology can elucidate multiple mechanisms of toxin resistance concurrently, revealing the linkages between molecular/cellular adaptations and the ecology of an organism.

Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelElectronic
ISSN2045-2322
eISSN2045-2322
Publication Date2017 Oct 27
Journal AbbreviationSci Rep
DOI10.1038/s41598-017-14545-z
Elocation10.1038/s41598-017-14545-z
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryEngland
Cross References
This publication is also available in the following databases:
DatabaseAccession
PMID: PMID:29079725