Tetraponera aethiops venom peptidome

ABSTRACT: In the mutualisms involving certain pseudomyrmicine ants and different myrmecophytes (i.e., plants sheltering colonies of specialized “plant-ant” species in hollow structures), the ant venom contributes to the host plant biotic defenses by inducing the rapid paralysis of defoliating insects and causing intense pain to browsing mammals. Using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we identified the venom peptidome of the plant-ant Tetraponera aethiops (Pseudomyrmecinae). The transcriptomic analysis of its venom glands revealed that 40 % of the assembled contigs encoded only seven peptide precursors related to the ant venom peptides from the A-superfamily. Among the 12 peptide masses detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nine mature peptide sequences were characterized and confirmed through proteomic analysis. These venom peptides, called pseudomyrmecitoxins (PSDTX), share amino acid sequence homologies with myrmeciitoxins known for their dual offensive and defensive functions on both insects and mammals. Furthermore, we demonstrated through reduction/alkylation of the crude venom that four PSDTXs were homo- and heterodimeric. Thus, we provide the first indication that the defensive venom composition of the ant genus Tetraponera is a streamlined peptidome. We provide the first insights into the defensive venom composition of the ant genus Tetraponera indicative of a streamlined peptidome.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive

ORGANISM(S): Tetraponera Aethiops

TISSUE(S): Venom Sac

SUBMITTER: Axel Touchard  

LAB HEAD: Treilhou Michel

PROVIDER: PXD016337 | Pride | 2020-01-10

REPOSITORIES: Pride