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Silk Spinning in Silkworms and Spiders
Marlene Andersson1, Jan Johansson2,3, Anna Rising4,5
1Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 75651, Sweden. marlene.andersson@slu.se.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 13, 2016
Summary
Spiders and silkworms produce exceptionally tough silk fibers through a universal spinning process. Optimizing protein solubility, pH sensitivity, and native protein structure is key for creating artificial silk with similar strength.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Spiders and silkworms produce silks tougher than any natural or synthetic fibers.
- Silk production involves complex biological processes for fiber formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast silk spinning in silkworms and spiders.
- To identify universal features critical for silk fiber formation.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of silk protein production and gland physiology in spiders and silkworms.
- Investigation of the role of pH gradients, ions, and shear forces in silk spinning.
Main Results:
- Both species produce large, repetitive silk proteins with globular terminal domains, soluble at high pH.
- Silk proteins transform from soluble conformations to beta-sheet fibers within a narrowing duct via pH and ion gradients.
- Carbonic anhydrase and proton pumps are crucial for generating the pH gradient.
Conclusions:
- Universal features in silk spinning suggest conserved mechanisms despite distant evolutionary relationships.
- Key factors for artificial silk production include optimizing protein solubility, pH sensitivity, and preserving native protein structures.
