Title: Adaptive evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in animals
Abstract: Tetrodotoxin (TTX), first isolated from pufferfish (tetraodontids), is a highly potent neurotoxin that selectively binds to voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in muscle and nerve tissues causing paralysis and death. Saxitoxin (STX) is a TTX-related neurotoxin produced by dinoflagellates. Recent investigations have implicated diverse substitutions in the P-loop regions of skeletal muscle and neuronal Nav channels in the convergent evolution of neurotoxin resistance in pufferfish, garter snakes and softshell clams, which has enabled them to feed on TTX- and STX-bearing organisms. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), first isolated from pufferfish (tetraodontids), is a highly potent neurotoxin that selectively binds to voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in muscle and nerve tissues causing paralysis and death. Saxitoxin (STX) is a TTX-related neurotoxin produced by dinoflagellates. Recent investigations have implicated diverse substitutions in the P-loop regions of skeletal muscle and neuronal Nav channels in the convergent evolution of neurotoxin resistance in pufferfish, garter snakes and softshell clams, which has enabled them to feed on TTX- and STX-bearing organisms. a brief change of membrane potential as a result of rapid opening and closing of voltage-gated ion channels. It is also commonly referred to as a nerve impulse, a spike or a discharge. a decrease in membrane potential that will take the previous membrane potential (e.g. −60 mV) to a less negative value (e.g. −30 mV). unicellular, flagellated, often photosynthetic protists, regarded as 'algae'. They occur naturally as free-living cells and as endosymbionts of marine animals. Under favorable conditions, they grow in large numbers giving rise to harmful algal blooms. an electrical potential difference, or voltage, across the cell membrane; measured in millivolts. a chamber, cavity or channel that opens into another cavity.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-11-01
Language: en
Type: review
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 79
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