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

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 (Na_V) 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.

SUBMITTER: Robinson SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10206162 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature