Developing the venome of the parasitoid wasp Ampulex compressa (778.4)

Abstract

The endoparasitoid wasp Ampulex compressa injects venom directly into the central nervous system of its host, the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), to induce a long‐term behavioral state known as hypokinesia. Hypokinesia is a specific, venom‐induced behavioral state characterized by suppression of the escape response and reduced spontaneous walking, leaving other motor functions unaffected. To facilitate elucidation of the biochemical mechanism behind venom‐induced hypokinesia, we are developing a bioinformatic venome by combining next‐generation RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis of venom gland tissue and mass spectroscopy‐based Multi‐Dimensional Protein Identification Technology (MuDPIT) from extracts of whole milked venom. Preliminary analysis has yielded identification of more than 50 proteins and peptides, with putative identifications of venom components including endothelin‐converting enzyme‐like peptidase, icarapin, venom acid phosphatase, and tachykinin along with ~20 novel peptides and proteins. The action of the venom appears to be non‐cytolytic, specific, and reversible. Venome analysis of A. compressa may yield a rich collection of novel, pharmaceutically relevant compounds.