Repeated convergent evolution of bradykinin mimics as defensive toxins

Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Naiqi Shi, Axel Touchard, Vanessa Schendel, Thomas Lund Koch, Hana Starobova, Pancong Niu, Hue N. T. Tran, Lotten Ragnarsson, Helena Safavi-Hemami, Irina Vetter, Samuel D. Robinson
DOI: 10.1126/science.adx0452
Cited by: 2
References: 84

Abstract

Natural selection can drive the evolution of similar traits through convergent evolution. Short peptides identical to the vertebrate hormone bradykinin (BK) have been reported from the venoms and skin secretions of certain species of wasps (order Hymenoptera) and frogs (order Anura), respectively. In this study, we demonstrate that the genes encoding the BK-like peptides of hymenopteran venoms and anuran skin secretions do not share common ancestry with that of the vertebrate hormone but instead independently evolved multiple times from peptide toxin genes. These peptides serve a defensive function against vertebrate predators and their resemblance to BK was driven by selection for efficacy at the predators' receptors. Our findings highlight how natural selection can drive repeated convergent evolution of similar molecules across distantly related lineages.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies Coagulation Bradykinin Polyphosphates and Angioedema Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
391
Issue
6789
Pages
1046–1052
Publication date
5 March 2026
Language
EN