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Novel Epidermal Oxysterols Function as Alarm Substances in Zebrafish

Li, Y.; Yan, Z.; Lin, A.; Yang, X.; Li, X.; Yin, X.; Li, W.; Li, K.

2023-09-29 animal behavior and cognition
10.1101/2023.09.26.559639 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Aquatic animals often use chemical cues to signal predation risk. When injured, shoaling fish skins release alarm substances that induce intense fear and a suite of anti-predator behaviors in other shoal members. However, the chemical nature of alarm substances remains largely unknown. Here we show that zebrafish alarm substance comprises 24-methyl-5-cholestane-3,7,12,24,28-pentahydroxy 28-sulfate, a novel oxysterol sulfate, and 5-cyprinol sulfate. These compounds are present in zebrafish skin extract and, at concentrations of less than one nanomolar, each induces anti-predator behaviors and increases cortisol levels. Their mixture, at its natural ratio, replicates the skin extract in eliciting the full suite of anti-predator behavior patterns. Our findings reveal a molecular-level mechanism whereby fish signal predation danger.

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