The Key to Drug Delivery? Researchers Uncover the Potential of Hairy Moth Caterpillar Venom

2023-07-12 03:55:00
Researchers found the venom of a furry moth caterpillar. It may be an important aid in transporting drugs more effectively in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer. Many people may have heard the saying that “Drug Abuse can kill people Properly used poison The most obvious example is the latest research by a team of researchers from the University of Queensland who discovered that “The venom of the hairy moth (Megalopyge opercularis) may have key properties that might be key to the transport of therapeutic drugs.” It is a worm that is native to North America. and can often be found in oak or elm. Appearance is a worm that covers its body with long brush-like hairs. Even though it looks harmless But under the beautiful fur (Or some might say disgusting) In fact, there are “poisonous spines” hidden if this worm is touched carelessly. may be stung by poisonous spines And can cause burning pain from the deadly poison Most of the victims had to be taken to the hospital. Found a planet outside the solar system “Reflects the most” like a mirror. England found an “ancient Ice Age axe” estimated to be regarding 300,000 years old. Astronomers have found one of the proofs. the universe can But a research team led by Dr. Andrew Walker and Professor Glenn King of the Institute of Molecular Biosciences of the University of Queensland The study found that Substances in the venom of furry nocturnal worms have the ability to They “punch holes in cells” in the same way that toxins are produced by pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. “We were surprised to find that The furry moth caterpillar’s venom is completely different from what we’ve seen in other insects. As we study more closely We see a protein similar to some bacterial toxins that make you sick.” This toxin binds to cell surfaces and joins together in donut-like structures that form holes. “It is similar to the mechanism of box jellyfish venom. and as we now see The venom in these caterpillars evolved through bacterial gene transfer over 400 million years ago.” A venom that can penetrate cells is likely to be effective at drug delivery. because they can get inside the cell “Perimeter toxins have unique potential for drug delivery. due to its ability to enter cells There may be a way to design molecules to target useful drugs to healthy cells. or to selectively kill cancer cells,” said Dr. Walker. including cyanide poisoning and special glue causing severe pain And we are interested in understanding how they are related… Poisons are a source of many new molecules that might be developed into future medicines, pesticides or as scientific tools. Past studies on the venom of snakes and spiders have shown their incredible potential. But caterpillar venom has not been particularly studied.” Read the full study here, compiled from Phys.org. Image courtesy of AFP.
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#poison #furry #moth #caterpillars #treatment #disease #PPTVHD36

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