Unveiling the Unexpected Origins and Potential Medical Applications of Caterpillar Venom

Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that the venom of asp caterpillars, known for causing excruciating pain, contains toxins belonging to a family of molecules usually found in disease-causing bacteria. The study revealed that a gene responsible for this type of toxin was transferred from bacteria to the ancestors of moths and butterflies millions of years ago through horizontal gene transfer. This finding highlights the complexity of evolution and opens up possibilities for harnessing venom toxins for medical applications, such as drug delivery and targeted cancer treatments.