Diving into the Venom Apparatus Transcriptomes of Pterois antennata and Pterois radiata: Unearthing a Novel Genus-Specific Piscidin-3 Homolog and a Multifarious Repertoire of Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract

In this comprehensive investigation, we conducted a rigorous analysis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) within two venomous lionfish species, Pterois antennata and Pterois radiata. Our approach combined transcriptomics and bioinformatics to elucidate a diverse repertoire of AMPs from venomous spines of these two fish species, encompassing known peptides like LEAP-2, NK-lysin, Perlwapin, Antileukoproteinase, pteroicidin-alpha, Dicentracin, defensin beta-like, hepcidin, and a hitherto undiscovered peptide termed ‘pteroicidin-delta; piscidin-like’. The impressive complexity of these fish’s immune systems is highlighted by their diverse array of AMPs. Our study adds to our knowledge of AMPs in venomous lionfish and emphasizes the significance of taking into account species-specific adaptations when examining host defense mechanisms. The recently discovered variations in peptides unveil intricate interactions within the lionfish immune responses. Future research should concentrate on elucidating the physiological significance of these AMPs in lionfish, shedding light on their roles in evolutionary biology, conservation, and medicine. The identification of the novel peptide “pteroicidin-delta; piscidin-like” is particularly noteworthy, holding promise for future biological studies. Its antimicrobial capabilities and potential medical applications could have significant implications for human health. This study underscores the importance of further research into these intriguing AMPs and their potential benefits across various scientific domains.