Open AccessAdaptive venom evolution and toxicity in octopods is driven by extensive novel gene formation, expansion, and loss
Author(s) -
Brooke L. Whitelaw,
Ira Cooke,
Julian Finn,
Rute R. da Fonseca,
Elena A. Ritschard,
M. Thomas P. Gilbert,
Oleg Simakov,
Jan M. Strugnell
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
gigascience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.947
H-Index - 54
ISSN - 2047-217X
DOI - 10.1093/gigascience/giaa120
Subject(s) - biology , venom , genome , octopus (software) , tetrodotoxin , gene family , gene , evolutionary biology , genetics , ecology , physics , quantum mechanics , biophysics
Cephalopods represent a rich system for investigating the genetic basis underlying organismal novelties. This diverse group of specialized predators has evolved many adaptations including proteinaceous venom. Of particular interest is the blue-ringed octopus genus (Hapalochlaena), which are the only octopods known to store large quantities of the potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, within their tissues and venom gland.
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