New Millipede Compounds Discovered to Influence Ant Brain Activity

Chemist Emily Mevers and her research team at Virginia Tech have uncovered a new series of compounds from millipede secretions that can influence specific neuroreceptors in ant brains. Published on July 25, 2025, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, this discovery highlights the potential of these compounds for future medical applications, particularly in pain management.

Discovery of Andrognathanols and Andrognathines

The newly identified compounds, named andrognathanols and andrognathines, were derived from the millipede species Andrognathus corticarius, which resides in the Stadium Woods area of the Virginia Tech campus. This research is part of Mevers’ broader effort to utilize the chemistry of underexplored ecological niches for drug discovery.

To isolate these compounds, Mevers and her team collected millipedes from leaf litter and fallen branches, employing advanced analytical techniques to analyze the chemical makeup of the millipedes’ defensive secretions. These secretions not only deter predators but also serve a communicative function among the millipedes themselves.

Significance and Future Drug Development

Despite their widespread presence, many aspects of millipedes remain poorly understood, including their habitats and behaviors. Mevers is collaborating with entomologist Paul Marek to address these knowledge gaps and explore the potential medical uses of their findings. Previously, the team had studied another millipede species, Ishcnocybe plicata, discovering that similar alkaloids interact selectively with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor, suggesting a promising avenue for pharmacological research.

The newly discovered alkaloids are released from the Hokie millipede when disturbed, causing disorientation in ants, which are considered natural predators. Some compounds from this new class also exhibit similar interactions with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor, indicating their potential for treating pain and neurological disorders.

With the identification of these complex compounds, the next phase involves synthesizing them in larger quantities for further 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, the research team will investigate their properties and possible biomedical applications.

The ongoing research into millipede secretions not only contributes to our understanding of these creatures but also opens new pathways for innovative pain relief treatments and other medical interventions.