Cellular and Molecular Organization of the Spider Minor Ampullate Gland Revealed by Multi-Omics

ABSTRACT: Spider minor ampullate silk exhibits unique mechanical properties and exceptional water resistance, making it an attractive material for technical and medical applications. However, in contrast to the major ampullate counterpart, minor ampullate silk remains relatively understudied, limiting efforts to fully exploit its potential. Here, we address this gap by integrating bulk RNA transcriptomics of spatially defined gland sections with single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomic analyses of both the gland and the dope. This approach reveals the cellular composition of the minor ampullate gland and identifies key proteins involved in silk production, while also uncovering striking similarities and differences between the major and minor ampullate glands. Building on existing knowledge of major ampullate silk, our findings strongly support a multilayered organization in minor ampullate silk, with unique protein compositions across layers. This enhanced understanding of minor ampullate gland biology will not only help advance bioengineering strategies, but also illustrates the functional diversification of silk glands in spiders, and provides a roadmap for studying tissues from non-model organisms.

ORGANISM(S): Larinioides sclopetarius

SUBMITTER: Johan Reimegård 

PROVIDER: S-BSST2610 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other