Scorpions are among the world’s oldest animals, dating back over 400 million years. Their venoms have been administered in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries.
Scientists from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Suez Canal in Egypt are investigating the potential of scorpion venoms to battle the threat of new coronavirus mutations.
Scorpions are one of the oldest species on the planet, having been around for almost 400 million years. Their venoms have been applied in traditional medicines in many nations since antiquity, particularly in China and India.
Scorpion venom has a “fascinating cocktail” of biologically active peptides, many of which are extremely potent neurotoxins, while others have significant antibacterial and antiviral properties and are thought to have a role in defending the venomous gland against microbial infection.
These peptides could be a useful starting point for developing new anti-coronavirus drugs.
Dr Wael Houssen, Fellow of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, and Prof Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, Professor of Molecular Toxinology and Physiology in the Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Suez Canal, are leading the project, which is funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund.
The collection of scorpion species was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Resulting from their Utilization and the appropriate legislation. After milking their venoms, scorpions were released into their natural habitats in the Egyptian Desert.
A poisonous gland from each species was obtained for genetic analysis, which will offer a wealth of relevant information about the venom peptide composition.
Scorpion venom is a complicated mixture comprising hundreds of poisons, and analysing it requires time-consuming procedures. Following purification and identification, venom peptides will be synthesised in larger quantities and structurally changed to provide drug-like capabilities in Dr Houssen’s laboratory employing tailoring enzymes.
Dr Houssen said: “The study of scorpion venoms as a source of novel drugs is an exciting and productive area worthy of further investigation.
“We have already seen that these venoms contain extremely potent bioactive peptides, and we believe that there are many more await discovery.”
Professor Abdel-Rahman said: “Several scorpion species including the most toxic in the world are widespread in Egypt.
“Their venoms have not yet been fully studied and may represent an unorthodox source of new medicines.”
Image Credit: Getty
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