Ampuero, Andre, Tilic, Ekin, Martel, Carlos, Stevenson, Philip ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0736-3619, Ibanez, Alfredo and Sigwart, Julia (2025) A novel mantle-margin gland system in Tectura virginea (Patellogastropoda). Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 23:20250670. pp. 1-10. ISSN 1742-5689 (Print), 1742-5662 (Online) (In Press) (doi:10.1098/rsif.2025.0670)

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Abstract

Glandular defensive systems remain poorly understood in many marine invertebrates. Here, we investigated the anatomy and chemical composition of mantle-margin glands in the true limpet Tectura virginea. These glands produce a persistent, thread-like secretion that emerges from the exposed mantle edge in response to mechanical stimulation. Light and electron microscopy revealed large glands, each dominated by a single voluminous secretory cell surrounded by quiescent precursors and ring musculature, suggesting a holocrine expulsion mechanism. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry identified over 80 compounds, including disulfides, sulfonates and organic acids. Their presence suggests that the secretion may act as a chemical barrier against microbial colonization or small invertebrate predators. Several major compounds, such as 1-(propyldisulfanyl)-1-(propylsulfinyl)propane, have potential defensive roles. The anatomical position of the glands and the biochemical diversity of their products suggest a defensive role. Our findings support the interpretation of these mantle-margin glands as a novel repugnatorial system, representing a unique adaptation among patellogastropods. These findings highlight the potential for secretory and defensive functions in the mantle-margin glands of T. virginea, underscoring the broader relevance of such glands in less-studied lineages.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Electronic supplementary material has a different DOI (activated) and is available online at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8168688. *** Pls. update record upon publ. with AAM (request) or release VoR according to given license (CC-BY). - MP
Uncontrolled Keywords:	repugnatorial glands, chemical defences, mantle, Mollusca, ultrastructure
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QL Zoology S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Centre for Sustainable Agriculture 4 One Health > Chemical Ecology & Plant Biochemistry
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2026 14:45
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52283

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