RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Functional analysis in a model sea anemone reveals phylogenetic complexity and a role in cnidocyte discharge of DEG/ENaC ion channels
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2022.05.24.493282
DO 10.1101/2022.05.24.493282
A1 Jose Maria Aguilar-Camacho
A1 Katharina Foreman
A1 Reuven Aharoni
A1 Stefan Gründer
A1 Yehu Moran
YR 2022
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/05/25/2022.05.24.493282.abstract
AB Ion channels of the DEG/ENaC family share a similar structure but serve strikingly diverse biological functions, such as Na+ reabsorption, mechanosensing, proton-sensing, chemosensing and cell-cell communication via neuropeptides. This functional diversity raises the question of the ancient function of DEG/ENaCs. Using an extensive phylogenetic analysis across many different animal groups, we found a surprising diversity of DEG/ENaCs already in Cnidaria (corals, sea anemones, hyrdoids and jellyfish). Using a combination of gene expression analysis, electrophysiological and functional studies combined with pharmacological inhibition as well as genetic knockout in the model cnidarian Nematostella vectensis, we reveal an unanticipated role for a proton-sensitive DEG/ENaC in discharge of N. vectensis cnidocytes, the stinging cells typifying all cnidarians. Our study supports the view that DEG/ENaCs are versatile channels that have been co-opted for diverse functions since their early occurrence in animals and that respond to simple and ancient stimuli, such as omnipresent protons.Teaser The analysis of an ion channel class in a sea anemone reveals its role in acidity-induced discharge of stinging cells.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.