New modulators of voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes from Australian Tarantula venoms
Abstract
Besides having a natural role in the capture of prey, Tarantula venom components can have potential therapeutic effects in humans. This potential arises because they bind to a number of unique therapeutic targets in the body, including pores in nerve cells that allow the passage of sodium ions into cells (sodium channels). Of particular interest are sodium channels associated with the transmission of pain signals in nerves. The primary goal is to assemble a comprehensive Australian tarantula venom library and use it as a resource for the biodiscovery of novel drugs or diagnostic research tools. The significance and primary outcome is the potential to better understand how nerve cells work and to develop a treatment for chronic pain.'',
