Journal article

Authors list: Erkoc, Pelin; Schiffmann, Susanne; Ulshöfer, Thomas; Henke, Marina; Marner, Michael; Krämer, Jonas; Predel, Reinhard; Schäberle, Till F; Hurka, Sabine; Dersch, Ludwig; Vilcinskas, Andreas; Fürst, Robert; Lüddecke, Tim

Publication year: 2024

Journal: iScience

Volume number: 27

Issue number: 7

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110209

Publisher: Cell Press

Abstract: 

Arthropod venoms contain bioactive molecules attractive for biomedical applications. However, few of these have been isolated, and only a tiny number has been characterized. Pseudoscorpions are small arachnids whose venom has been largely overlooked. Here, we present the first structural and functional assessment of the checacin toxin family, discovered in the venom of the house pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides). We combined in silico and in vitro analyses to establish their bioactivity profile against microbes and various cell lines. This revealed inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi. We observed cytotoxicity against specific cell types and effects involving second messengers. Our work provides insight into the biomedical potential and evolution of pseudoscorpion venoms. We propose that plesiotypic checacins evolved to defend the venom gland against infection, whereas apotypic descendants evolved additional functions. Our work highlights the importance of considering small and neglected species in biodiscovery programs.

Harvard Citation style: Erkoc, P., Schiffmann, S., Ulshöfer, T., Henke, M., Marner, M., Krämer, J., et al. (2024) Determining the pharmacological potential and biological role of linear pseudoscorpion toxins via functional profiling, iScience, 27(7), Article 110209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110209

APA Citation style: Erkoc, P., Schiffmann, S., Ulshöfer, T., Henke, M., Marner, M., Krämer, J., Predel, R., Schäberle, T., Hurka, S., Dersch, L., Vilcinskas, A., Fürst, R., & Lüddecke, T. (2024). Determining the pharmacological potential and biological role of linear pseudoscorpion toxins via functional profiling. iScience. 27(7), Article 110209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110209