A subset of conserved phagocytic genes are likely used for the intracellular theft of cnidarian stinging organelles in nudibranch gastropods
Our results suggest that phagocytosis genes likely play a role in the sequestration phenotype, and that a small subset of genes (e.g., collagen) may play unique functions yet to be uncovered. We also show that genes categorized as functioning in endocytosis, immunity, and digestion have lower overall expression in sequestering tissues, supporting the hypothesis that sequestering tissues show a narrowing of function compared to digestive tissues. This study lays the foundation for further inquiry into mechanisms of organelle sequestration in nudibranchs and other organisms.
Authors
- Rebecca D. Tarvin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5387-7250)
- Rebecca N. Lopez‐Anido
- Jessica A. Goodheart (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0754-5751)
- Deirdre C. Lyons (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2644-5214)
- Robin A. Rio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7936-0590)
- Nicola Martin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2261-4164)
- Rose A. Fiorenza
- Timothy J. Herrlinger
Institutions
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (US)
- American Museum of Natural History (US)
- Marine Biological Laboratory (US)
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (US)
- University of California San Diego (US)
- University of California, Berkeley (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- EvoDevo
- Published
- 2025-06-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13227-025-00241-x
- Primary Topic
- Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- American Museum of Natural History
- University of California Berkeley
- Society for Developmental Biology
- Conchologists of America
- San Diego Supercomputer Center
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences