Activity Determinants in Linear Spider Venom Peptide Fragments Against MRSA

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  Activity Determinants in Linear Spider Venom Peptide Fragments Against MRSA Abstract Objective: Using neural networks, we previously identified linear fragments of spider venom peptides active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among them, peptide IX (IWLSLMKFAGKHL-NH 2 ) with a C -terminal amide displayed high antibacterial potency, whereas its non-amidated analogue, peptide X, was inactive. Peptide IX incorporates into zwitterionic multilamellar liposomes of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) without disrupting them, and also into anionic liposomes of dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) mimicking the MRSA cell membrane, leading to bilayer disruption. This study aims to elucidate the reasons for peptide X inactivation.  Methods: According to ¹H NMR spectroscopy, peptide X in water is governed by the ionization of the His12 residue. ³¹P NMR data show that peptide X interacts with DOPC and DOPG membranes. Monte Carlo simulations revealed conformati...

A new six-eyed species of the spider genus Alistra Thorell, 1894 from Guangdong, China (Araneae: Hahniidae)

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A new six-eyed species of the spider genus Alistra Thorell, 1894 from Guangdong, China (Araneae: Hahniidae)

Abstract

Guangdong Province, China, possesses an abundant number of karst caves. Cave-dwelling spiders typically exhibit distinct troglomorphic characteristics, such as depigmented bodies and reduced or absent eyes. In this paper, we describe a new species of the genus Alistra Thorell, 1894, Alistra jinlong sp. nov. (male and female), discovered in a karst cave in Guangdong. Notably, this new species possesses six eyes, a feature that distinguishes it from all known congeners. Detailed illustrations of the habitus and copulatory organs, along with a distribution map, are provided.

Ailan He, Yangxin Fan, Shuyi Hou, Jing Guo "A new six-eyed species of the spider genus Alistra Thorell, 1894 from Guangdong, China (Araneae: Hahniidae)," The Pan-Pacific Entomologist, 102(2), 82-87, (30 June 2026) https://doi.org/10.3956/2025-102.2.82