Sydney: In a pathbreaking effort, Australian and Chinese researchers have successfully isolated a molecule in centipede venom that reportedly has the potential and potency to be developed into a painkiller as powerful as morphine. A peptide found in centipede venom shows promise in targeting a key nerve channel in mice, and could lead to a powerful medication for people suffering from chronic, debilitating pain.
The research, published on Thursday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows how gene mutations in the NaV1.7 sodium ion channel result in some people being unable to feel pain. Scientists have found that the peptide Ssm6A, found in centipede venom, can shut down this channel, providing clues about how to treat severe, persistent pain.
Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) examined the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede as part of a wider commitment to finding practical and lasting solutions for the 20 percent of the Australian population who suffer from chronic pain. Glenn King, a professor of UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), said the molecule discovered in partnership with UQ's Chinese collaborators blocked the 'Nav1.7' channel inherent in human nerves. "People without a functioning Nav1.7 channel cannot feel pain, so it's likely molecules that can block this channel will be powerful painkillers," King said.
The research is a continuation of King's work in molecular exploration, including last month's discovery of a natural component of Australian tarantula venom more potent than many existing chemical insecticides. Unglamorously coined 'OAIP-1', King predicted it could be developed into an environmentally friendly insecticide. King is also involved in research that could lead to the development of an environmentally friendly insecticide, harnessing toxin from Australian tarantula venom.
"There is an urgent need for new insecticides due to insects becoming resistant to existing products and others being deregistered due to perceived ecological and human health risks," King had said last month. "We recently demonstrated that the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede was rich in molecules that can alter the function of nerve channels, so we decided to explore this venom to see if there was a molecule that could block Nav1.7," he said after the new finding.
