We Finally Know How This Terrifying Worm Develops Metal Fangs

For the first time, a team of American researchers has demonstrated the key role of a multitasking protein in the formation of the fearsome copper fangs of American worms.

Nightmarish looking sea creatures

Possessing translucent skin showing their red bodily fluids and able to burrow deep into the sediments of the seabed, representatives of the species Glycera dibranchiata are primarily known for their fearsome jawbones made up of protein, melanin, and copper. A feature not found anywhere else in the animal kingdom.

These aggressive creatures measuring 35 centimeters long feed using their proboscis, a tubular and extensible suction organ provided with four dark fangs. Forming only once in the five-year life of American worms, these particularly robust pointed structures can pierce the exoskeletons of different marine organisms and also release a powerful paralyzing venom.

In the context of work published in the journal matter, Herbert Waite and his colleagues from theuniversity of california observed for the first time the entire chemical process of jaw formation, involving a previously unknown versatile biological molecule. Rich in amino acidshistidine and of wisteriait performs six distinct functions essential to the formation and maintenance of the fangs of Glycera dibranchiataof which it is the main structural protein.

A fully autonomous process

This multitasking protein mobilizes copper ions (Cu2+) to form a complex, then concentrates into a viscous, copper-rich, water-phase-separating liquid (think how oil and water do not mix). It then uses the copper to catalyze the conversion of the amino acid derivative dihydroxyphenylalanine in melanina polymer which, together with the protein, gives the jawbone mechanical properties similar to those of manufactured metals.

“ We did not expect that such a simple protein composition, made mainly of glycine and histidine, could perform so many unrelated functions and activities. “, highlighted Waite. ” This process allows the worm to easily and completely autonomously synthesize material that, if created in the lab, would require the use of many different devices, solvents and temperatures.. »

According to the team, an in-depth study of the different mechanisms involved could help to rationalize certain aspects of the industrial production of materials, and to design more efficient ones.