PNAS: very poisonous caterpillar

Researchers from the Institute of Molecular Biological Sciences say that the venom of a caterpillar in southeast Queensland is expected to be used for medicine and pest control

Dorati fera vulnerans are common in most parts of southeastern Queensland and are often found in the Tush Forest Park in southern Brisbane

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Unlike "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) that has fascinated generations of children around the world, this caterpillar is far from harmless

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The study also revealed the source of a biologically active peptide, which may be used in medicine, biotechnology or as a scientific tool

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"Previous researchers didn't know what was in the venom or how they caused pain

"We found that this venom is mainly peptides, showing surprising complexity, including 151 protein toxins from 59 different families

The research team synthesized 13 peptide toxins and used them to show the unique evolutionary trajectory followed by caterpillars in producing pain-causing venom

"We now know the amino acid sequence or blueprint of each protein toxin," Dr.

"This will allow us to make toxins and test them in different ways

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He said: "Our research has revealed a new source of bioactive peptides that may be used in medicine by affecting biological processes and promoting health

"First, we need to figure out the role of these toxins and let us know how they might be used
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These findings combine the work of researchers from CSIRO, York University in Canada, the University of Vienna in Austria, and the U.
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Department of Food and Agriculture
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The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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