Parasitoid Jewel Wasp Mounts Multipronged Neurochemical Attack to Hijack a Host Brain.

ABSTRACT: The parasitoid emerald jewel wasp Ampulex compressa induces a compliant state of hypokinesia in its host, the American cockroach Periplaneta americana through direct envenomation of the central nervous system (CNS). To elucidate the biochemical strategy underlying venom-induced hypokinesia, we subjected the venom apparatus and milked venom to RNAseq and proteomics analyses to construct a comprehensive "venome," consisting of 264 proteins. Abundant in the venome are enzymes endogenous to the host brain, including M13 family metalloproteases, phospholipases, adenosine deaminase, hyaluronidase, and neuropeptide precursors. The amphipathic, alpha-helical ampulexins are among the most abundant venom components. Also prominent are members of the Toll/NF-κB signaling pathway, includ

SUBMITTER: Arvidson R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6317478 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature