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Integr Comp Biol

Title:		"MULTIFUNCin: A Multifunctional Protein Cue Induces Habitat Selection by, and Predation on, Barnacles"
Author(s):		Ferrier GA; Kim SJ; Kaddis CS; Loo JA; Ann Zimmer C; Zimmer RK;
Address:		"*Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. UCLA/DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. Moreton Bay Research Station, Centre for Marine Science, and School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia. *Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA z@biology.ucla.edu"
Journal Title:		Integr Comp Biol
Year:		2016
Volume:		20160701
Issue:		5
Page Number:		901 - 913
DOI:		10.1093/icb/icw076
ISSN/ISBN:		1557-7023 (Electronic) 1540-7063 (Print) 1540-7063 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Foundation species provide critical resources to ecological community members and are major determinants of biodiversity. The barnacle Balanus glandula is one such species and dominates space among the higher reaches on wave-swept shores. Here, we show that B. glandula produces a 199.6-kDa glycoprotein (named 'MULTIFUNCin'), and following secretion, a 390-kDa homodimer in its native state. MULTIFUNCin expression is localized in the epidermis, cuticle, and new shell material. Consequently, this molecule can specify upon contact the immediate presence of a live barnacle. Shared, conserved domains place MULTIFUNCin in the alpha(2)-macroglobulin (A2M) subgroup of the thioester-containing protein family. Although previously undescribed, MULTIFUNCin shares 78% nucleotide sequence homology with a settlement-inducing pheromone (SIP) of the barnacle, Amphibalanus amphitrite Based on this and further evidence, we propose that the two proteins are orthologues and evolved ancestrally in structural and immunological roles. More recently, they became exploited as chemical cues for con- and heterospecific organisms, alike. MULTIFUNCin and SIP both induce habitat selection (settlement) by conspecific barnacle larvae. In addition, MULTIFUNCin acts as a potent feeding stimulant to major barnacle predators (sea stars and several whelk species). Promoting immigration via settlement on the one hand, and death via predation on the other, MULTIFUNCin simultaneously mediates opposing demographic processes toward structuring both predator and prey populations. As a multifunctional protein cue, MULTIFUNCin provides valuable sensory information, conveys different messages to different species, and drives complex biotic interactions"
Keywords:		Animal Communication Animals Cues *Ecosystem Gene Expression Gene Expression Profiling Glycoproteins/*genetics/*metabolism Larva Predatory Behavior Thoracica/genetics/metabolism/*physiology;
Notes:		"MedlineFerrier, Graham A Kim, Steven J Kaddis, Catherine S Loo, Joseph A Ann Zimmer, Cheryl Zimmer, Richard K eng R01 GM103479/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ R01 GM104610/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/ England 2016/07/03 Integr Comp Biol. 2016 Nov; 56(5):901-913. doi: 10.1093/icb/icw076. Epub 2016 Jul 1"