Isolation and characterisation of novel bioactive peptides from spider venom

Start year: 2002

Summary: This study aims to isolate and characterise novel bioactive peptides from Australian spider venoms. Specifically we wish to identify peptides that either potently increase gut motility or are insect-selective neurotoxins. Insecticidal toxins have considerable commercial potential as biopesticides due to the evolution of widespread insect resistance to classical chemical pesticides. Discovery of new insect-selective neurotoxins will allow the future engineering of viral biopesticide analogues with increased potency, stability and selectivity. This study will provide important structure activity information for the development of novel prokinetic drugs to treat clinical disorders involving poor gastrointestinal motility.

Keywords: Neurotoxins; Insecticide; Ion channels; Drug discovery; Spider; Pharmacology

FOR Codes: Medical Biochemistry: Proteins and Peptides, Toxicology (incl. Clinical Toxicology), Pharmacology not elsewhere classified, Crop and animal protection chemicals, Digestive system and disorders, Control of pests and exotic species, Digestive System Disorders, Medical Biochemistry: Proteins and Peptides (incl. Medical Proteomics), Pharmacogenomics, Dental Therapeutics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dental therapeutics, pharmacology and toxicology , Medical biochemistry - proteins and peptides (incl. medical proteomics), Clinical health

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.