Scientific Reports (Oct 2021)

A small molecule screen identifies novel inhibitors of mechanosensory nematocyst discharge in Hydra

  • Diana Hofmann,
  • Niharika Garg,
  • Simone Grässle,
  • Sylvia Vanderheiden,
  • Bruno Gideon Bergheim,
  • Stefan Bräse,
  • Nicole Jung,
  • Suat Özbek

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-99974-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Cnidarians are characterized by the possession of stinging organelles, called nematocysts, which they use for prey capture and defense. Nematocyst discharge is controlled by a mechanosensory apparatus with analogies to vertebrate hair cells. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRPN) ion channel family are supposed to be involved in the transduction of the mechanical stimulus. A small molecule screen was performed to identify compounds that affect nematocyst discharge in Hydra. We identified several [2.2]paracyclophanes that cause inhibition of nematocyst discharge in the low micro-molar range. Further structure–activity analyses within the compound class of [2.2]paracyclophanes showed common features that are required for the inhibitory activity of the [2.2]paracyclophane core motif. This study demonstrates that Hydra can serve as a model for small molecule screens targeting the mechanosensory apparatus in native tissues.