From fibres to adhesives: evolution of spider capture threads from web anchors by radical changes in silk gland function DOI Creative Commons
Jonas O. Wolff,

Leah J. Ashley,

Clemens N. Z. Schmitt

et al.

Journal of The Royal Society Interface, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 21(216)

Published: July 1, 2024

Spider webs that serve as snares are one of the most fascinating and abundant type animal architectures. In many cases they include an adhesive coating silk lines—so-called viscid silk—for prey capture. The evolutionary switch from secretions forming solid fibres to soft aqueous adhesives remains open question in understanding spider evolution. Here we functionally chemically characterized two types glands their behavioural use cellar spider, Pholcus phalangioides. Both being derived same ancestral gland produces with a solidifying glue coat, produce respectively quickly applied thread anchorages wraps, or permanently tacky deployed snares. We found latter is by high concentration organic salts reduced spidroin content, showing up possible pathway for evolution properties hygroscopic-salt-mediated hydration adhesives. Understanding underlying molecular basis such radical switches material not only helps better understand origins versatility ecologically impactful web architectures, but also informs bioengineering silk-based products tailored properties.

Language: Английский

Biochemical methods for producing and characterising recombinant spider silks DOI Creative Commons
Anton Maraldo, James H. Torpey, Sasha L. Evans

et al.

Frontiers in Arachnid Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 3

Published: Jan. 21, 2025

Here, we review the processes involved in producing and assessing quality of recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) challenges associated with their synthesis spinning into robust fibres. We provide an overview techniques used to produce proteins, from gene expression various host organisms. Evidence suggests that N- C-terminal regions spidroins are utmost importance for fibre assembly repetitive domains responsible unique mechanical properties both native versions silks. describe role liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) spidroin its subsequent formation. Recent developments production co-expression strategies improving yield scalability highlighted. Techniques such as mass photometry size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysing protein purity behaviour thereupon detailed. Finally, address predictive computational methods play future designing novel high-performing materials inspired by spidroins.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
From fibres to adhesives: evolution of spider capture threads from web anchors by radical changes in silk gland function DOI Creative Commons
Jonas O. Wolff,

Leah J. Ashley,

Clemens N. Z. Schmitt

et al.

Journal of The Royal Society Interface, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 21(216)

Published: July 1, 2024

Spider webs that serve as snares are one of the most fascinating and abundant type animal architectures. In many cases they include an adhesive coating silk lines—so-called viscid silk—for prey capture. The evolutionary switch from secretions forming solid fibres to soft aqueous adhesives remains open question in understanding spider evolution. Here we functionally chemically characterized two types glands their behavioural use cellar spider, Pholcus phalangioides. Both being derived same ancestral gland produces with a solidifying glue coat, produce respectively quickly applied thread anchorages wraps, or permanently tacky deployed snares. We found latter is by high concentration organic salts reduced spidroin content, showing up possible pathway for evolution properties hygroscopic-salt-mediated hydration adhesives. Understanding underlying molecular basis such radical switches material not only helps better understand origins versatility ecologically impactful web architectures, but also informs bioengineering silk-based products tailored properties.

Language: Английский

Citations

2