Activity Determinants in Linear Spider Venom Peptide Fragments Against MRSA

  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 species of Neochelas Pett, Grismado & Ramírez, 2026 (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Chiapas, Mexico

 


A new species of Neochelas Pett, Grismado & Ramírez, 2026 (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

A new species of the genus Neochelas Pett, Grismado & Ramírez, 2026 (Trachelidae) is described based on specimens of both sexes collected from Tacaná Volcano, Chiapas, Mexico. This species, N. marialuisae sp. nov., is tentatively assigned to the tranquillus species group, as it possesses at least one helicoid coil at the base of the embolus, a feature shared with other North American members of the group.

Se describe una nueva especie del género Neochelas Pett, Grismado & Ramírez, 2026 (Trachelidae) con base en ejemplares de ambos sexos recolectados en el Volcán Tacaná, Chiapas, México. Esta especie, N. marialuisae sp. nov., se asigna tentativamente al grupo de especies tranquillus, ya que posee una vuelta helicoidal en la base del émbolo, una característica compartida con otros miembros norteamericanos del grupo.

David Chamé-Vázquez, Eduardo Rafael Chamé-Vázquez "A new species of Neochelas Pett, Grismado & Ramírez, 2026 (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Chiapas, Mexico," The Pan-Pacific Entomologist, 102(2), 96-103, (30 June 2026) https://doi.org/10.3956/2025-102.2.96