Drug design benefits from Gila monster venom evolution
30 Nov 09
Dr Bryan Grieg Fry from Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne is lead author of a study by an international team of scientists that has identified the evolution of venom proteins in lizards such as the Gila Monster, a discovery which could help provide clues to future drug development.
The new study reveals extraordinary genetic rearrangements which have produced novel toxins in the Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard venoms.
The discovery coincides with the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles’ Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’ and the study’s lead author, Dr Fry says the work is a prime example of the impact of evolution.
“These results highlight the importance of using evolutionary-based search strategies for the virtually unexplored potential of lizard venoms in drug design and discovery. A lot is known about snake venom, but lizard venom is also clinically complex and remains an untapped resource,†says Dr Fry.
The work was conducted by a team from Melbourne, Brussels, Monash and Belfast universities and Museum Victoria and will be published in the journal ‘Biology & Evolution’ this month. Read the Media Release , 25 November 2009.