The venom of the Megalopygidae caterpillar has been found to have toxin genes transferred from bacteria. Credit: University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience
Scientists have found toxins in the venom of asp caterpillars punch holes in cells the same way as toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Researchers have discovered that the venom of the notorious asp caterpillar, which behaves similarly to toxins from disease-causing bacteria, could play a pivotal role in developing lifesaving drugs. Their findings reveal that this venom evolved from bacteria over 400 million years ago. Despite caterpillar venom being largely understudied, its ability to puncture holes in cells offers a promising potential for targeted drug delivery or selective cancer cell destruction.
Groundbreaking Discovery
Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered the venom of a notorious caterpillar has a surprising ancestry and could be key to the delivery of lifesaving drugs.
A team led by Dr. Andrew Walker and Professor Glenn King from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience found toxins in the venom of asp caterpillars punch holes in cells the same way as toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
“We were surprised to find asp caterpillar venom was completely different to anything we had seen before in insects,” Dr. Walker said.
The Venom and Its Effect
“When we looked at it more closely, we saw proteins that were very similar to some of the bacterial toxins that make you sick.”
These bacterial toxins attach themselves to the surface of cells and assemble into donut-like structures, forming holes in the process.
“It’s similar to the mechanism of box jellyfish venom – and as we’ve now found – caterpillar venom too,” Dr. Walker said.
“The venom in these caterpillars has evolved via the transfer of genes from bacteria more than 400 million years ago.”
University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience researchers have found that toxins in the venom of asp caterpillars punch holes in cells the same way as toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Asp Caterpillar: An Unassuming Danger
The asp caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis, larva of a moth) is native to North America, where it is often found in oak or elm trees.
It might look innocuous, but its long hair-like bristles conceal venomous spines that can deliver an excruciating sting likened to touching burning coal or blunt force trauma – often sending victims to the hospital.
Caterpillar Defense Mechanisms and Potential Medical Uses
“Many caterpillars have developed sophisticated defenses against predators, including cyanide droplets and defensive glues that cause severe pain, and we’re interested to understand how they are all related,” D. Walker said.
“Venoms are rich sources of new molecules that could be developed into medicines of the future, pesticides, or used as scientific tools.
“IMB’s investigations into the venom of snakes and spiders have already demonstrated their amazing potential, but caterpillar venoms are particularly understudied.
“Toxins that puncture holes in cells have particular potential in drug delivery because of their ability to enter cells.
“There may be a way to engineer the molecule to target beneficial drugs to healthy cells, or to selectively kill cancer cells.”
This research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Reference: “Horizontal gene transfer underlies the painful stings of asp caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae)” by Andrew A. Walker, Samuel D. Robinson, David J. Merritt, Fernanda C. Cardoso, Mohaddeseh Hedayati Goudarzi, Raine S. Mercedes, David A. Eagles, Paul Cooper, Christina N. Zdenek, Bryan G. Fry, Donald W. Hall, Irina Vetter and Glenn F. King, 10 July 2023, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305871120
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