Conopeptide Production Through Biosustainable Snail Farming A
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The Cone Collector N°23
THE CONE COLLECTOR #23 October 2013 THE Note from CONE the Editor COLLECTOR Dear friends, Editor The Cone scene is moving fast, with new papers being pub- António Monteiro lished on a regular basis, many of them containing descrip- tions of new species or studies of complex groups of species that Layout have baffled us for many years. A couple of books are also in André Poremski the making and they should prove of great interest to anyone Contributors interested in Cones. David P. Berschauer Pierre Escoubas Our bulletin aims at keeping everybody informed of the latest William J. Fenzan developments in the area, keeping a record of newly published R. Michael Filmer taxa and presenting our readers a wide range of articles with Michel Jolivet much and often exciting information. As always, I thank our Bernardino Monteiro many friends who contribute with texts, photos, information, Leo G. Ros comments, etc., helping us to make each new number so inter- Benito José Muñoz Sánchez David Touitou esting and valuable. Allan Vargas Jordy Wendriks The 3rd International Cone Meeting is also on the move. Do Alessandro Zanzi remember to mark it in your diaries for September 2014 (defi- nite date still to be announced) and to plan your trip to Ma- drid. This new event will undoubtedly be a huge success, just like the two former meetings in Stuttgart and La Rochelle. You will enjoy it and of course your presence is indispensable! For now, enjoy the new issue of TCC and be sure to let us have your opinions, views, comments, criticism… and even praise, if you feel so inclined. -
Cone Snail Case
Cone Snail case Cone snail molecular phylogeny Cone snail video Snail Venom Yields Potent Painkiller, But Delivering The Drug Is Tricky Updated August 4, 201510:52 AM ETPublished August 3, 20153:30 PM ET http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/08/03/428990755/snail-venom- yields-potent-painkiller-but-delivering-the-drug-is-tricky Magician’s cone (Conus magus) The magician’s cone, Conus magus, is a fish-hunting, or piscivorous cone snail found in the Western Pacific. It is so common in some of small Pacific islands, especially in the Philippines, that it is routinely sold in the market as food. The magician’s cone attacks its fish prey by sticking out its light yellowish proboscis, from which venom is pushed through a harpoon-like tooth. It hunts by the hook-and-line method and so will engulf its prey after it has been paralyzed. To learn more about hook-and-line hunters, click here. Scientists have analyzed the venom of the magician’s cone and one of its venom components was discovered to have a unique pharmacological activity by blocking a specific calcium channel (N-type). After this venom component was isolated and characterized in a laboratory, researchers realized that it had potential medical application. By blocking N-type calcium channels, the venom blocks channels that when open convey pain from nerve cells. If this is blocked, the brain cannot perceive these pain signals. It was developed as a pain management drug, and is now chemically synthesized and sold under the trade name Prialt. This drug is given to patients who have very severe pain that is not alliviated by morphine. -
On the Anatomy of Conus Tulipa, Linn., and Conus Textile, Linn
fc CONUS TULIPA, LINN., AND CONUS TEXTILE, LINN. On the Anatomy of Conus tulipa, Linn., and Conus textile, Linn. By H. O. Vt. Shaw, B.Sc, F.Z.S. With Plates 1 to 6, and 12 Text-figures. SINCE 1895, few workers on the anatomy of mollusca have devoted their attention to the genus Conus. In that year Dr. Bergh (3) published an extensive memoir on a large number of species in this genus, and his work may be considered as the most complete, and embracing the greatest number of. species examined, though his description of each species was not exhaustive. Troschel (20) devoted most of his attention to the radulse of the different genera and species of which his excellent work is composed, and although he gives a certain number of figures with descriptions of various anatomical points, these latter are for the most part of rather a crude and diagrammatic kind. While malacologists have done a certain amount towards working out and elucidating the anatomy of various members of this genus, the conchologists, as is generally the case, have produced many excellent monographs, and such names as Reeve, Sowerby, Tryon, Weinkauff and others will always be remembered for the general excellence of their figures and descriptions of the numerous species which are contained in this genus. Various writers have essayed different forms of classification, but for the most part on purely conchological grounds, and when more is known about the inhabitants of these shells, and their different points of resemblance to one VOL. 60, PART 1. NEW SERIES. -
Masterarbeit
MASTERARBEIT Titel der Masterarbeit „Diversity, habitats & size-frequency distribution of the gastropod genus Conus at Dahab (Gulf of Aqaba, Northern Red Sea)“ verfasst von Sarah Zauner BSc angestrebter akademischer Grad Master of Science (MSc) Wien, 2015 Studienkennzahl lt. Studienblatt: A 066 833 Studienrichtung lt. Studienblatt: Master Ökologie Betreuerin / Betreuer: Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Martin Zuschin O C TABLE F ONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 STUDY AREA ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 LF F THE GU O AQABA................................................................................................................................................................................5 ABITAT TYPES MATERIALH & METHODS................................ ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5 -
Shell Classification – Using Family Plates
Shell Classification USING FAMILY PLATES YEAR SEVEN STUDENTS Introduction In the following activity you and your class can use the same techniques as Queensland Museum The Queensland Museum Network has about scientists to classify organisms. 2.5 million biological specimens, and these items form the Biodiversity collections. Most specimens are from Activity: Identifying Queensland shells by family. Queensland’s terrestrial and marine provinces, but These 20 plates show common Queensland shells some are from adjacent Indo-Pacific regions. A smaller from 38 different families, and can be used for a range number of exotic species have also been acquired for of activities both in and outside the classroom. comparative purposes. The collection steadily grows Possible uses of this resource include: as our inventory of the region’s natural resources becomes more comprehensive. • students finding shells and identifying what family they belong to This collection helps scientists: • students determining what features shells in each • identify and name species family share • understand biodiversity in Australia and around • students comparing families to see how they differ. the world All shells shown on the following plates are from the • study evolution, connectivity and dispersal Queensland Museum Biodiversity Collection. throughout the Indo-Pacific • keep track of invasive and exotic species. Many of the scientists who work at the Museum specialise in taxonomy, the science of describing and naming species. In fact, Queensland Museum scientists -
BAST1986050004005.Pdf
BASTERIA, 50: 93-150, 1986 Alphabetical revision of the (sub)species in recent Conidae. 9. ebraeus to extraordinarius with the description of Conus elegans ramalhoi, nov. subspecies H.E. Coomans R.G. Moolenbeek& E. Wils Institute of Taxonomic Zoology (Zoological Museum) University of Amsterdam INTRODUCTION In this ninth part of the revision all names of recent Conus taxa beginning with the letter e are discussed. Amongst these are several nominal species of tent-cones with a C.of close-set lines, the shell a darker pattern consisting very giving appearance (e.g. C. C. The elisae, euetrios, eumitus). phenomenon was also mentioned for C. castaneo- fasciatus, C. cholmondeleyi and C. dactylosus in former issues. This occurs in populations where with normal also that consider them specimens a tent-pattern are found, so we as colour formae. The effect is known shells in which of white opposite too, areas are present, leaving 'islands' with the tent-pattern (e.g. C. bitleri, C. castrensis, C. concatenatus and C. episco- These colour formae. patus). are also art. Because of a change in the rules of the ICZN (3rd edition, 1985: 73-74), there has risen a disagreement about the concept of the "type series". In cases where a museum type-lot consists of more than one specimen, although the original author(s) did not indicate that more than one shell was used for the description, we will designate the single originally mentioned and/or figured specimen as the "lectotype". Never- theless a number of taxonomists will consider that "lectotype" as the holotype, and disregard the remaining shells in the lot as type material. -
22 April 2013 the Note from CONE the Editor COLLECTOR Dear Friends
THE CONE COLLECTOR #22 April 2013 THE Note from CONE the Editor COLLECTOR Dear friends, Editor The project “The Cone Collector” is still under seven years old António Monteiro and yet when I look at all we have achieved so far I cannot help thinking that we have probably exceeded expectations. Layout André Poremski We started modestly – as becomes any serious project – back in Contributors October 2006, with our newsletter aimed at all those who are Carlos Afonso interested in studying or collecting Cones, from professional Jim Cootes biologists to amateur collectors. Today we can proudly display Remy Devorsine a total of twenty-four numbers of TCC, two hugely successful Sébastien Dutertre international meetings and a website that brings together an Günther Herndl unparalleled wealth of information on Cones. Joaquin M. Inchaustegui Bruce Livett As a matter of fact, after the uploading in our website (at www. Philippe Quiquandon Christopher Roux theconecollector.com ) of the important and vastly updated Manuel Jiménez Tenorio and augmented work by Mike Filmer’s involving taxonomy and Will van Damme nomenclature, we now have at the same address Paul Kersten’s Alessandro Zanzi extremely useful and well-known Checklist, enriched with new images and much more detailed information than before. This is the work of a team – the names of Manuel Jimenez Tenorio, Bill Fenzan, John Tucker, Gavin Malcolm, Mike Filmer, Paul Kersten and André Poremski readily come to my mind as front row collaborators of TCC, but all others who have contributed with articles, photos, opinions, suggestions and unfailing support deserve equal credit! The project belongs to all and can only survive with the continued support of all. -
Conus Geographus, 70% Fatality Rate
VENOMOUS CONE SNAILS (FISH - HUNTING SPECIES) Some kill people: Conus geographus, 70% fatality rate. 3 F2 4 different clades of fish-hunting cone snails harpoon tooth proboscis tip Lightning-strike cabal -Conotoxin - INCREASES Na channel conductance k-Conotoxin - Blocks K channels Others - ? k-PVIIA CRIONQKCFQHLDDCCSRKCNRFNKCV -PVIA EACYAOGTFCGIKOGLCCSEFCLPGVCFG Prey Capture Excitotoxic Neuromuscular 1 Shock 2 Block Very rapid, fish stunned Irreversible paralysis Lightning-strike cabal Lightning strike constellation -Conotoxin - INCREASES Na channel conductance k-Conotoxin - Blocks K channels -Conotoxin - Activates Na Channels Con-ikot-ikot - Inhibits Glu receptor desensitization Motor cabal Motor constellation w-Conotoxin - Blocks Ca channels a-Conotoxin - Competitive nicotinic receptor inhibitor y-Conotoxin - Nicotinic receptor channel blocker? m-Conotoxin - BLOCKS Na channel conductance Conus geographus • The Deadliest Snail in the Ocean Net Strategy Sensory Deadening Neuromuscular Block (Nirvana Cabal) (Motor Cabal) Nirvana Cabal Sedated, quiescent state Motor Cabal Neuromuscular transmission block Nirvana cabal Targeted to sensory circuitry: s-Conotoxin - 5HT3 receptor blocker * Conantokin - NMDA receptor blocker * “Sluggish” peptide “Sleeper” peptides “Weaponized” insulin Mature venom insulin is post-translationally modified Con-Ins G1 Highly expressed in venom gland Highly abundant in C. geographus venom Helena Hemami-Safavi Activity testing Adam Douglass SafaviSantosh-Hemami Karanth et al. 2015, Amnon PNAS Schlegel Venom insulin: proposed mechanism of action Adminstration of insulin causes glucose uptake from the blood into liver and muscle tissue Insulin overdose: rapid depletion of blood glucose leads to insufficient glucose supply for the brain: dizziness, nausea, coma and death Insulin shock, hypoglycemic shock Insulin as a murder weapon, the Sunny von Bülow case: American heiress and socialite. Her husband, Claus von Bülow, was convicted of attempting her murder by insulin overdose C. -
Antiproliferative Effect of the Red Sea Cone Snail, Conus Geographus
Alburae & Mohammed Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research March 2020; 19 (3): 577-581 ISSN: 1596-5996 (print); 1596-9827 (electronic) © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. Available online at http://www.tjpr.org http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v19i3.17 Original Research Article Antiproliferative effect of the Red Sea cone snail, Conus geographus Najla Ali Alburae1*, Afrah Eltayeb Mohammed2 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, PO Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, 2Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia *For correspondence: Email: [email protected]; Tel.: +966-50-33710116 Sent for review: 19 October 2019 Revised accepted: 21 February 2020 Abstract Purpose: To investigate the antiproliferative effect of the Red Sea cone snail, Conus geographus, against 4 MCF-7 (breast), MDA-MB-231 (epithelial human breast), HepG2 (hepatocellular) and SKOV-3 (ovarian) cancer cell lines. Methods: Extraction of Red Sea cone snail sample with a mixture of CH2Cl2 and CH3OH (1:1, v/v) yielded 0.55 g of a green viscous material. The cytotoxic effects of the organic extract against the cancer cell lines were determined using cell proliferation (MTT) assay, and the half-maximal concentration (IC50) values measured. The effect of the crude extract on the cell cycle of the HepG-2 was determined by flow cytometry. Results: The extract produced significant inhibitory effects against SKOV-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and HepG2, with IC50 values of 22.7 ± 2.2, 68.7 ± 6.2, 47 ± 4.2 and 19 ± 2.1 µg/mL, respectively. -
The Hawaiian Species of Conus (Mollusca: Gastropoda)1
The Hawaiian Species of Conus (Mollusca: Gastropoda) 1 ALAN J. KOHN2 IN THECOURSE OF a comparative ecological currents are factors which could plausibly study of gastropod mollus ks of the genus effect the isolation necessary for geographic Conus in Hawaii (Ko hn, 1959), some 2,400 speciation . specimens of 25 species were examined. Un Of the 33 species of Conus considered in certainty ofthe correct names to be applied to this paper to be valid constituents of the some of these species prompted the taxo Hawaiian fauna, about 20 occur in shallow nomic study reported here. Many workers water on marine benches and coral reefs and have contributed to the systematics of the in bays. Of these, only one species, C. ab genus Conus; nevertheless, both nomencla breviatusReeve, is considered to be endemic to torial and biological questions have persisted the Hawaiian archipelago . Less is known of concerning the correct names of a number of the species more characteristic of deeper water species that occur in the Hawaiian archi habitats. Some, known at present only from pelago, here considered to extend from Kure dredging? about the Hawaiian Islands, may (Ocean) Island (28.25° N. , 178.26° W.) to the in the future prove to occur elsewhere as island of Hawaii (20.00° N. , 155.30° W.). well, when adequate sampling methods are extended to other parts of the Indo-West FAUNAL AFFINITY Pacific region. As is characteristic of the marine fauna of ECOLOGY the Hawaiian Islands, the affinities of Conus are with the Indo-Pacific center of distribu Since the ecology of Conus has been dis tion . -
Chemical Synthesis and NMR Solution Structure of Conotoxin GXIA from Conus Geographus
marine drugs Article Chemical Synthesis and NMR Solution Structure of Conotoxin GXIA from Conus geographus David A. Armstrong 1, Ai-Hua Jin 2, Nayara Braga Emidio 2 , Richard J. Lewis 2 , Paul F. Alewood 2 and K. Johan Rosengren 1,* 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected] 2 Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected] (A.-H.J.); [email protected] (N.B.E.); [email protected] (R.J.L.); [email protected] (P.F.A.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Conotoxins are disulfide-rich peptides found in the venom of cone snails. Due to their exquisite potency and high selectivity for a wide range of voltage and ligand gated ion channels they are attractive drug leads in neuropharmacology. Recently, cone snails were found to have the capability to rapidly switch between venom types with different proteome profiles in response to predatory or defensive stimuli. A novel conotoxin, GXIA (original name G117), belonging to the I3-subfamily was identified as the major component of the predatory venom of piscivorous Conus geographus. Using 2D solution NMR spectroscopy techniques, we resolved the 3D structure for GXIA, the first structure reported for the I3-subfamily and framework XI family. The 32 amino acid peptide is comprised of eight cysteine residues with the resultant disulfide connectivity forming an ICK+1 motif. With a triple stranded β-sheet, the GXIA backbone shows striking similarity to Citation: Armstrong, D.A.; Jin, A.-H.; several tarantula toxins targeting the voltage sensor of voltage gated potassium and sodium channels. -
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1 Mobilising molluscan models and genomes in biology 2 Angus Davison1 and Maurine Neiman2 3 1. School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK 4 2. Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA and Department of Gender, 5 Women's, and Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa, City, IA, USA 6 Abstract 7 Molluscs are amongst the most ancient, diverse, and important of all animal taxa. Even so, 8 no individual mollusc species has emerged as a broadly applied model system in biology. 9 We here make the case that both perceptual and methodological barriers have played a role 10 in the relative neglect of molluscs as research organisms. We then summarize the current 11 application and potential of molluscs and their genomes to address important questions in 12 animal biology, and the state of the field when it comes to the availability of resources such 13 as genome assemblies, cell lines, and other key elements necessary to mobilising the 14 development of molluscan model systems. We conclude by contending that a cohesive 15 research community that works together to elevate multiple molluscan systems to ‘model’ 16 status will create new opportunities in addressing basic and applied biological problems, 17 including general features of animal evolution. 18 Introduction 19 Molluscs are globally important as sources of food, calcium and pearls, and as vectors of 20 human disease. From an evolutionary perspective, molluscs are notable for their remarkable 21 diversity: originating over 500 million years ago, there are over 70,000 extant mollusc 22 species [1], with molluscs present in virtually every ecosystem.