Bryan Fry, a professor at Australia’s University is using genomic and proteomic tools to research the venoms of animals such as snakes. By studying their venom, Fry is improving our understanding of how venomous creatures evolved and aided in, both, the development of anti-venoms and the discovery of new drugs.
Yes, venom is being used a medicine. Venom-derived medicines have been around for a while. For example, Captopril, a cardiovascular drug first marketed in 1981, was designed to mimic a peptide found in the venom of the Lance Head Viper. While these venom-derived drugs are helpful, their molecular structures are complex. Depending on the species, venom can contain tens or hundreds of peptides and other molecules, which make it difficult to study the components of the venom.
Researchers are using RNA sequencing to study these peptides. RNA sequencing allows the scientists to study peptides individually, and look closer at their healing properties so they can utilize those for medicines. While venom-based medicines are becoming largely popular, the venom has to still be studied carefully before more drugs could be made into medicines.
Submitted by Sarah Herold
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