Abstract
A diverse range of predatory marine gastropods produce toxins, yet most of these molecules remain uncharacterized. Conus species have received the most attention from researchers, leading to several conopeptides reaching clinical trials. This review aims to summarize what is known about bioactive compounds isolated from species of neglected marine gastropods, especially in the Turridae, Terebridae, Babyloniidae, Muricidae, Buccinidae, Colubrariidae, Nassariidae, Cassidae, and Ranellidae families. Multiple species have been reported to contain bioactive compounds with potential toxic activity, but most of these compounds have not been characterized or even clearly identified. The bioactive properties and potential applications of echotoxins and related porins from the Ranellidae family are discussed in more detail. Finally, the review concludes with a call for research on understudied species.
Highlights
Predatory marine gastropods are at a distinct disadvantage when attempting to catch larger, faster, or more agile prey; but they have evolved potent venoms to subdue their prey to compensate for their small size and slow pace [1,2]
This review aims to summarize what is known from neglected families of carnivorous gastropods (Figure 1, Table 1); starting with a broader view of known poisonous marine gastropods, and focusing on the understudied Ranellidae family
There is a wealth of literature on the bioaccumulation of toxins by marine gastropods, but this subject will not be extensively covered in this review, which primarily focuses on compounds produced by predatory gastropods
Summary
Predatory marine gastropods are at a distinct disadvantage when attempting to catch larger, faster, or more agile prey; but they have evolved potent venoms to subdue their prey to compensate for their small size and slow pace [1,2]. The most studied marine gastropod venoms are those of the Conidae, called Conus species and commonly named cone snails, which use a harpoon-like radula tooth to deliver potent neurotoxins. The venom of each of the >700 cone snail species comprises a complex mixture of hundreds to thousands of peptides, called conopeptides; most of them target specific ion channels and transporter subtypes of the nervous system [1,2,6]. 40 years, cone snail venoms have been mined for drug-lead compounds, the most well-known being conopeptide MVIIA (ziconotide), which is used clinically for treating intractable pain [10]. Whereas Conus species have been in the spotlight of drug discovery, several other marine gastropod species are potential sources of pharmaceutically attractive bioactive compounds. CRiSPs? Choline esters/murexines, brominated indoles, unknown nervous system depressant? Stimulant?
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