Convergent origins of tetrodotoxin-based defenses in amphibians

Tetrodotoxin is a potent neurotoxin found in many marine organisms. On land, it is known only in amphibians, including the Pacific newts of genus Taricha and Harlequin frogs of genus Atelopus. We study the ecology, evolution, and genetics of both systems to better understand why and how amphibians are able to wield such a dangerous compound.

Currently funded by NIH NIGMS R35GM150574

PUBLICATIONS

Tarvin et al. 2023. The diverse mechanisms animals use to resist toxins. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 54: 283-306. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102320-102117 • PDF

Montana et al. 2023. Are Pacific Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla) resistant to tetrodotoxin (TTX)? Characterizing potential TTX exposure and resistance in an ecological associate of Pacific Newts (Taricha). Journal of Herpetology 57: 220—228. https://doi.org/10.1670/22-002 • PDF

Pearson and Tarvin. 2022. A review of chemical defense in harlequin toads (Bufonidae; Atelopus). Toxicon: X 13:100092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100092 • PDF