Invasive mussels fashion silk-like byssus via mechanical processing of massive horizontally acquired coiled coils
Abstract
Zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena spp.) are invasive species that malign North American river and lake ecosystems as biofoulers. Their success depends on their ability to attach to surfaces with a tough, fibrous anchor known as a byssus. Here, we elucidated the multiscale fiber structure, formation process, and evolutionary history. Distinctive amongst mussels, Dreissenid fibers possess beta crystalline structure resembling spider silk. We identified the fiber precursors as massive coiled-coil (CC) proteins, which are mechanically converted into aligned beta crystallites during fiber formation. The precursor is the largest CC ever discovered and appears to have been horizontally transferred from a bacterium at least 12 Mya. Our findings have relevance for combatting biofouling, understanding mussel evolution, and inspiring novel polymer design.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 2023
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2311901120
- Bibcode:
- 2023PNAS..12011901S