Novel molecular factors in nematocyst assembly and morphogenesis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Suat Özbek
• Subject Area: Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390770057

The cnidarian nematocyst, used for predation and defense, is the most complex organelle in the animal kingdom. Its ultra-fast, harpoon-like discharge, which is accompanied by a release of toxins, requires molecular factors with unusual biomechanical properties. Our previous analysis of the Hydra nematocyst proteome revealed more than 400 molecular factors constituting the nematocyst. Among these, we have characterized in detail the family of minicollagens and the elastic protein Cnidoin, which in concert are responsible for the high structural resilience and kinetic energy release during the discharge process. The present project proposal is founded on our previously established hypothesis that the cnidarian stinging organelle constitutes a specialized extracellular matrix. To undermine this hypothesis, we will analyze by evolutionary and functional studies the shared proteome between nematocysts and the mesoglea in the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. In addition, we will focus on novel factors in the molecular patterning and morphogenesis of the nematocyst tubule structure. In this context, we will also redefine the role of NOWA, which was formerly identified as a capsule wall antigen.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel, Japan
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Yehu Moran, Ph.D.; Professor Shuhei Yamada, Ph.D.