The venom of these large spiders could, after all, be positive for humans, according to new research carried out by a team of scientists at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. The work has been presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of the Society for Biophysics in Los Angeles, California (USA).
Toxins from tarantula, other spiders, or certain snakes can be deadly enough to kill a human or at least cause a serious reaction. However, the characteristics of the Protx-II toxin, discovered in the venom of the Peruvian green velvet tarantula , Mucuna Thrixopelma , could improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world who suffer from chronic and neuropathic pain.
How is it possible?
The key is in how the molecules work to reduce pain. The properties of this potent toxin include selectivity to inhibit the pain sensation receptor, which could make it the pain reliever of the future for humans .
The way in which Protx-II inhibits the sensation of pain has been discovered thanks to the analysis of this toxin by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that allowed them to examine the structure and its role in the inhibition of the pain receptor. Molecular simulations with tarantula toxin revealed that the cell membrane plays an important role in allowing Protx-II to inhibit the pain receptor.
Experts say that researching more about how this toxin works could help with the design of new pain therapies.
