Science
Evolution Invented the Same Toxin Defense Repeatedly
A Science study reveals that unrelated animal species independently evolved nearly identical molecular mimics of the pain-causing peptide bradykinin as a defensive weapon.
Key Takeaways
- Unrelated species independently evolved toxins mimicking the pain peptide bradykinin
- Convergence occurs at the receptor-binding interface despite different molecular structures
- Bradykinin's role in instant pain makes it an ideal target for defensive toxins
- Evolved mimics could serve as templates for new pain and inflammation drugs
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DT Editorial AI··via science.org