Biology

Fish-hunting cone snail disrupts prey’s glucose homeostasis with weaponized mimetics of somatostatin and insulin

H. Y. Yeung, I. B. L. Ramiro, et al.

Uncover the astonishing venomous tactics of fish-hunting cone snails, specifically *Conus geographus*, as they wield insulins and a unique SSTR2 agonist to immobilize their prey. This groundbreaking study, conducted by a talented team of researchers, reveals the complex interplay of chemical mimicry and venom components that highlight glucose homeostasis as a crucial aspect of their predatory success.

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Abstract

Fish-hunting cone snails utilize a unique venomous strategy involving weaponized insulins to induce hypoglycemic shock in prey. This study reveals that *Conus geographus* also employs a selective somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) agonist, Conotoxin mGn, which exacerbates insulin-induced hypoglycemia by blocking glucagon release. The toxin's N-terminal region mimics a glycosylated fish somatostatin, crucial for activating fish SSTR2. This research highlights chemical mimicry and combinatorial venom components, establishing glucose homeostasis as a significant target for prey capture.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Aug 20, 2024

Authors

Ho Yan Yeung, Iris Bea L Ramiro, Daniel B Andersen, Thomas Lund Koch, Alexander Hamilton, Walden E Bjorn-Yoshimoto, Samuel Espino, Sergey Y Vakhrushev, Kasper B Pedersen, Noortje de Haan, Agnes L Hipgrave Ederveen, Baldomero M Olivera, Jakob G Knudsen, Hans Bräuner-Osborne, Katrine T Schjoldager, Jens Juul Holst, Helena Safavi-Hemami

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