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Ant venoms contain vertebrate-selective pain-causing sodium channel toxins

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel D. Robinson

    (University of Queensland)

  • Jennifer R. Deuis

    (University of Queensland)

  • Axel Touchard

    (Campus Agronomique; BP 316
    Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion; Place de Verdun)

  • Angelo Keramidas

    (University of Queensland)

  • Alexander Mueller

    (University of Queensland)

  • Christina I. Schroeder

    (University of Queensland
    Genentech, 1 DNA Way)

  • Valentine Barassé

    (Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion; Place de Verdun)

  • Andrew A. Walker

    (University of Queensland)

  • Nina Brinkwirth

    (Nanion Technologies)

  • Sina Jami

    (University of Queensland)

  • Elsa Bonnafé

    (Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion; Place de Verdun)

  • Michel Treilhou

    (Université de Toulouse, Institut National Universitaire Jean-François Champollion; Place de Verdun)

  • Eivind A. B. Undheim

    (University of Queensland
    The University of Oslo
    University of Queensland)

  • Justin O. Schmidt

    (Southwestern Biological Institute
    University of Arizona)

  • Glenn F. King

    (University of Queensland
    University of Queensland)

  • Irina Vetter

    (University of Queensland
    University of Queensland)

Abstract

Stings of certain ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) can cause intense, long-lasting nociception. Here we show that the major contributors to these symptoms are venom peptides that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, reducing their voltage threshold for activation and inhibiting channel inactivation. These peptide toxins are likely vertebrate-selective, consistent with a primarily defensive function. They emerged early in the Formicidae lineage and may have been a pivotal factor in the expansion of ants.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel D. Robinson & Jennifer R. Deuis & Axel Touchard & Angelo Keramidas & Alexander Mueller & Christina I. Schroeder & Valentine Barassé & Andrew A. Walker & Nina Brinkwirth & Sina Jami & Elsa Bonna, 2023. "Ant venoms contain vertebrate-selective pain-causing sodium channel toxins," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38839-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38839-1
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