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Researchers at the University of Queensland have made a groundbreaking discovery involving the venom of an infamous caterpillar. This discovery could potentially revolutionize the delivery of life-saving drugs. Led by Dr Andrew Walker and Professor Glenn King of UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the team found that the toxins in the venom of asp caterpillars bear a striking resemblance to the toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These toxins pierce cells, just like their bacterial counterparts.
The research team expressed their surprise at the completely unique nature of the asp caterpillar’s venom. Upon closer inspection, they identified proteins that closely resemble the bacterial toxins responsible for causing disease in humans. These bacterial toxins attach themselves to cell surfaces and form donut-like structures that create openings.
Dr. Walker highlighted the similarity between the venom mechanisms of jellyfish and asp caterpillars, saying that the venom in these caterpillars evolved through the transfer of genes from bacteria more than 400 million years ago. The asp caterpillar, a larva of a moth known as Megalopyge opercularis, is native to North America and can typically be found in oak or elm trees.
Despite its seemingly innocuous appearance, the asp caterpillar’s bristles harbor venomous spines capable of delivering excruciating stings comparable to touching burning coal or suffering blunt force trauma. Many caterpillars have evolved elaborate defense mechanisms against predators, including droplets of cyanide and adhesive substances that cause severe pain. Understanding the relationship between these various defense mechanisms is an area of great interest to the research team.
Dr Walker pointed out that poisons have immense potential as sources of new molecules that could be used in the development of future drugs, pesticides and scientific tools. There may be opportunities to engineer these molecules to selectively target beneficial drugs to healthy cells or specifically target cancer cells.
FAQ
What surprising origin does the venom of the asp caterpillar have?
The venom of the asp caterpillar has surprising origins. It contains toxins that work similarly to toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
How does asp caterpillar venom affect cells?
The asp caterpillar’s venom pierces cells, similar to how disease-causing toxins bacteria do. These holes are formed by donut-like structures created by the venom.
Where is the asp caterpillar found?
The asp caterpillar, the larva of a moth called Megalopyge opercularis, is native to North America. It is often found in oak or elm trees.
What are the effects of the poisonous spines of the asp caterpillar?
The asp caterpillar’s venomous spines, hidden among its long, hair-like bristles, can deliver a sting like touching burning charcoal or blunt force trauma. The sting is excruciating and often requires medical attention.
Why is it important to study caterpillar venoms?
The caterpillar venoms are rich sources of new molecules that could be developed into medicines, pesticides or scientific instruments. They have unique characteristics and understanding them can lead to valuable discoveries.
What is the significance of this research?
This research reveals the surprising ancestry of asp caterpillar venom and its potential for drug delivery. It also highlights the role of horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of animal venoms.
What did the study of the composition of the venom of megalopygids find?
The study found that megalopygid venoms consist of large pore-forming toxins called megalysins, along with a small number of peptides. These toxins were acquired through horizontal transfer from the bacteria.
Notes and insights
Caterpillar venom study reveals toxins borrowHorizontal gene transfer underlies the painful stings of asp caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae)| PNAS
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