Scientists have figured out how to use a dangerous toxin to fight cancer
Caterpillar toxin can 'punch holes' in cancer cells.Scientists from the University of Queensland have discovered that Caterpillar toxin from the bristles of the caterpillar Megalopyge opercularis can punch holes in cells in the same way as bacterial toxins E. coli and Salmonella.
The similarity is not coincidental: almost 400 million years ago, insects acquired this ability from bacteria through gene transfer. In evolutionary biology terms, it's a powerful survival mechanism. Now scientists hope this venom could help cure cancer.
"These toxins can be used as 'couriers' for drug delivery because of their ability to penetrate cells. We may be able to engineer a molecule that will selectively kill cancer cells," explains Andrew Walker from the Institute of Molecular Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland.
The Megalopyge opercularis caterpillar is the larval form of the moth and is found throughout the United States, mainly in southern states. It is one of the most venomous caterpillars in North America.
"Many caterpillars have developed sophisticated defenses against predators and we are interested in understanding how these can be exploited," the scientists conclude.
The Megalopyge opercularis toxin binds to the cell surface and forms donut-like structures that pierce holes in the cell. The scientists believe that such a mechanism has great potential for medical use.