ASRC News What is snail mucus? That was the question posed by researchers in a new study that examines the molecular composition of snail mucus. When analyzing the mucus of a common garden snail,...
ASRC News
What is snail mucus? That was the question posed by researchers in a new study that examines the molecular composition of snail mucus. When analyzing the mucus of a common garden snail, they found it contained a complex collection of proteins, some identified as entirely novel.
In a newly published paper in Nature Communications, scientists profile the mucus of Cornu aspersum — a species used in beauty product formulation and eaten as escargot — and detail the composition of three unique types of secretions — one that hydrates and protects its skin, another that works as a glue-like adhesive, and another that lubricates to allow the animal to move freely across surfaces.
“We were surprised that the mucus compositions were quite different, despite being produced by the same species,” said lead author Antonio Cerullo. “Even more so, the adhesive snail glue and the lubricious snail trail, which have completely opposite purposes, come from the same part of the snail. It was exciting to discover that very subtle differences in mucus compositions have huge impacts on their biological and material properties.”
About one-third of the proteins found in the mucus are unlike any others known to science.
“Everyone is fascinated and disgusted by mucus. However, most people don’t realize just how complex and elegant these secretions are,” said the study’s principal investigator Adam Braunschweig.
Snail mucus is widely used in cosmetics, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, wound care treatments, and antimicrobials. Beauty products containing snail mucus are a multi-billion-dollar global industry.
There are still many open questions about the macromolecular structure of mucus. Even human mucus, which has been studied much more extensively than snail mucus, is not well understood.
Snail mucus is currently being studied for applications in biomedicine, including surgical glues, as lubricants for eyes, joints, and medical implants, as well as drug delivery systems.
Article: Cerullo, McDermott, Pepi, Liu, Barry, Zhang, Yang, Chen, Azadi, Holford and Braunschweig - Comparative mucomic analysis of three functionally distinct Cornu aspersum Secretions
ASRC News
What is snail mucus? That was the question posed by researchers in a new study that examines the molecular composition of snail mucus. When analyzing the mucus of a common garden snail, they found it contained a complex collection of proteins, some identified as entirely novel.
About one-third of the proteins found in the mucus are unlike any others known to science.
Article: Cerullo, McDermott, Pepi, Liu, Barry, Zhang, Yang, Chen, Azadi, Holford and Braunschweig - Comparative mucomic analysis of three functionally distinct Cornu aspersum Secretions