BACKGROUND Medusozoans utilize explosively discharging penetrant nematocysts to inject venom into prey. These venoms are composed of highly complex proteins and peptides with extensive bioactivities, as observed in vitro. Diverse enzymatic toxins have been putatively identified in the venom of jellyfish, Nemopilema nomurai and Cyanea nozakii, through examination of their proteomes and transcrip...

Myxozoans are enigmatic endoparasitic organisms sharing morphological features with bilateria, protists and cnidarians. This, coupled with their highly divergent gene sequences, has greatly obscured their phylogenetic affinities. Here we report the sequencing and characterization of a minicollagen homologue (designated Tb-Ncol-1) in the myxozoan Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae. Minicollagens are ...

References 1. Holstein, T., and Tardent, P. (1984). An ultrahigh-speed analysis of exocytosis: nematocyst discharge. Science 223, 830–833. 2. Kurz, E.M., Holstein, T.W., Petri, B.M., Engel, J., and David, C.N. (1991). Minicollagens in hydra nematocytes. J. Cell Biol. 115, 1159–1169. 3. Engel, U., Pertz, O., Fauser, C., Engel, J., David, C.N., and Holstein, T.W. (2001). A switch in disulfide lin...

icrotubule plus ends may control sites of cell polarity and cytokinesis in both animal and yeast cells, but the mechanisms behind this have remained obscure. have detected a protein complex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe that links the actin-and microtubule-based cytoskeletal systems. Its existence also suggests that microtubule plus ends polarize cells by targeting cell-polarity factors to the c...

Proteoglycans and collagen molecules are interacting with each other thereby forming various connective tissues. The sulfation pattern of proteoglycans differs depending on the kind of tissue and/or the degree of maturation. Tissues from Cnidaria are suitable examples for exploration of the effects in relation to the presence and the absence of sulfate groups, when studying characteristic fragm...

Mature nematocysts of the sea anemones Rhodactis rhodostoma and Anthopleura elegantissima contain a fluid that has a high concentration of solutes and is extraordinarily rich in calcium (ca. 500-600 mmol/kg wet weight); this contrasts with the surrounding cytoplasm which is rich in potassium but poor in calcium. The undischarged capsule is surrounded by a membrane that probably acts as a select...

There is a growing cause for concern on envenoming European species because of jellyfish blooms, climate change and globalization displacing species. Treatment of envenomation involves the prevention of further nematocyst release and relieving local and systemic symptoms. Many anecdotal treatments are available but species-specific first aid response is essential for effective treatment. Howeve...

Background: Jellyfish stings cause painful, papular-urticarial eruptions due to the immediate allergic, acute toxic and persistent inflammatory responses. In spite of many marine accidents and their economic impact, modes of first-aid treatment remain conventional and specific allergen and medical treatment are not yet available. The purpose of this study was to define the specific allergen of ...