A. Vilcinskas

Engineering a wolf spider A-family toxin towards increased antimicrobial activity but low toxicity

The paper enhances antimicrobial activity of a spider venom peptide while maintaining low toxicity through bioengineering.

Enlighting the toxinological dark matter of spider venom enzymes

The paper compares spider venom enzymes across databases and datasets, revealing discrepancies and highlighting underrepresented enzyme diversity and functions.

Spatial metabolomics reveal divergent cardenolide processing in the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and the common crow (Euploea core)

This study uses mass spectrometry imaging to compare cardenolide distribution in monarch and common crow caterpillars, revealing differences in toxin sequestration and degradation.

A common venomous ancestor? Prevalent bee venom genes evolved before the aculeate stinger while few major toxins are bee-specific

The paper investigates the origin of venom genes in hymenopteran insects, finding that most venom proteins predate the evolution of the aculeate stinger and are shared across the clade, with only a few being unique to bees.

Identification, Characterization and Synthesis of Natural Parasitic Cysteine Protease Inhibitors -- More Potent Falcitidin Analogs

The paper identifies and synthesizes natural falcitidin analogs with enhanced inhibitory activity against parasitic cysteine proteases.

Genomic and chemical decryption of the Bacteroidetes phylum for its potential to biosynthesize natural products

The paper analyzes Bacteroidetes genomes to identify natural product biosynthesis potential, discovers new antibiotics from Chitinophaga strains, and highlights taxonomical hotspots for specialized metabolites.

Predation drives specialized host plant associations in preadapted milkweed bugs (Heteroptera: Lygaeinae)

The paper shows that predation pressure drives host plant specialization in milkweed bugs by selecting for toxin sequestration abilities, even when new toxins are not exploited.

An economic dilemma between weapon systems may explain an arachno-atypical venom in wasp spiders (Argiope bruennichi)

This study analyzes the venom of wasp spiders, finding an atypical composition with novel toxins, and proposes that venom simplicity evolved to resolve an economic dilemma between hunting strategies.