Metabolites from the Mucus of Volutharpa ampullacea perryi : A Prospective Marine Resource for Bioactive Molecules

The aim of this study is to define compositions and bioactive substances in the mucus derived from the deep-sea snail Volutharpa ampullacea perryi. V. ampullacea perryi, the so-called “false abalone,” is a popular inexpensive seafood along the northern coast of China. The mucus secreted by the pleopod gland of this animal has always been considered a waste product. Here, we used traditional biochemical methods, MTT assays, and metabolomics analyses to determine the composition of the mucus and explore its potential value as a source of bioactive molecules. Crude protein was the major nutrient contained in the mucus of V. ampullacea perryi, and these proteins had anti-cancer potential. In addition, we identified and annotated 332 metabolites in the mucus. Of these, 61.75% had pharmacological functions, 3.61% could be used as cosmetics additives, and 9.04% had nutritional value.