Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified new compounds in millipede secretions that may offer insights into pain management therapies. Led by chemist Emily Mevers, the study reveals that these compounds can influence specific neuroreceptors in the brains of ants, an unexpected yet significant finding published on July 25, 2025, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The compounds, named andrognathanols and andrognathines, were isolated from the millipede species Andrognathus corticarius, which is native to the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. Mevers and her team explored the chemical defenses of these millipedes, which they discovered release these compounds when threatened. This behavior not only serves to deter predators but also plays a role in communication among millipedes.
Exploring the Potential of Millipede Chemistry
Mevers specializes in investigating the chemistry of underexplored ecosystems, such as the one where these millipedes thrive. By collecting samples from leaf litter and decaying branches, the team employed advanced analytical techniques to pinpoint the compounds in the millipedes’ defensive glands. This research is crucial given the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding millipede biology, including their habitats, diets, and chemical properties.
Collaborating with millipede expert Paul Marek, Mevers aims to bridge the knowledge gaps surrounding these organisms. Their previous work with a different millipede species, Ishcnocybe plicata, revealed that its alkaloids exhibit selective interactions with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor. This receptor is involved in various neurological processes, suggesting that compounds from millipedes could have significant pharmacological implications for treating pain and other disorders.
The new alkaloids discovered in the Hokie millipede also appear to interact with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor, indicating further potential for therapeutic applications. When disturbed, the millipedes actively secrete these compounds, causing disorientation in ants, which are their natural predators.
Next Steps in Drug Development
With these complex compounds characterized, the next phase involves synthesizing them in larger quantities for more extensive biomedical evaluation. “These compounds are quite complex, so they’re going to take some time to synthesize in the lab,” Mevers stated. Once sufficient quantities are produced, further studies can assess their properties and potential roles in drug development.
The implications of this research extend beyond the millipedes themselves, highlighting the vast, untapped resources of nature that might lead to novel pain treatments. As the team continues their work, they aim to illuminate the potential benefits that these millipede-derived compounds could bring to the field of medicine.
For more information, refer to the study by Paige Banks et al. titled “The Discovery of Complex Heterocycles from Millipede Secretions” in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (2025). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c08079.
