Combined proteomics and transcriptomics identifies sting-related toxins of jellyfish Cyanea nozakii

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2016
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Rongfeng Li, Huahua Yu, Yang Yue, Song Liu, Ronge Xing, Xiaolin Chen, Pengcheng Li
Jellyfish sting has become a worldwide issue of critical concern to human health and safety in coastal areas in recent decades. Cyanea nozakii is one of the dominant blooming species and dangerous stingers in China. However, it remains unclear how many and what types of toxins are present in the venom. So, we used a combined transcriptomics and proteomics approach to investigate the venom composition of jellyfish C. nozakii. In total 4,608,524 Illumina valid reads were obtained to de novo assemble to 40,434 unigenes in the transcriptomics analysis. And, a total of 311,635 MS/MS spectra with 12,247 unique MS/MS spectra were generated to 1556 homologous proteins in the proteomics analysis. 174 potential toxin proteins were identified, with 27 proteins homology to the toxins from venomous animals, including phospholipase A2, zinc met0061lloproteinase-disintegrin agkistin, serine protease inhibitor, plancitoxin-1, alpha-latrocrustotoxin-Lt1a, etc. This study described the transcriptomics and venom proteomics of jellyfish C. nozakii for the first time. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the venom composition of C. nozakii. Furthermore, the results may also be very helpful for the discovery of novel bioactive protein, as well as the development of effective treatments for jellyfish stings in the future.Biological significanceJellyfish Cyanea nozakii is one of the most dangerous stingers in the coast of china. Hundreds of thousands of people would be stung every year and victims suffered a severe pain itch swelling inflammation wheal and even more serious consequence. However it remains unclear how many and what types of toxins are present as well as the relationship between the clinical symptoms and toxins. Our combined transcriptomics and proteomics findings can provide a comprehensive understanding of the venom composition of C. nozakii and will also be helpful for the development of effective treatments for jellyfish stings in the future.

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