Venom from a marine animal living in underwater caves in Mexico could hold potential for new epilepsy treatments, according to scientists in Germany.
Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt have studied the marine remipede’s venom and its effects on channels in the brain.
The marine remipede, similar to a centipede, uses a neurotoxin to paralyse its prey. One protein in the venom, called xibalbine, can affect potassium channels in the brain and reduce electrical activity.
The researchers, Pinheiro-Junior and colleagues, say this is an important characteristic when it comes to developing medicines for epilepsy. The protein also has the potential to treat chronic pain.
However, the scientists said other components of the remipede’s venom have the potential to stop crucial functions of heart cells.
The researchers said their paper is “an important cornerstone for future studies to untangle the origin and function of these enigmatic proteins”.
‘Importance of protecting biodiversity’
Venom from land animal, such as snakes, spiders and scorpions, has been previously studied, but the paper authors said this is the only crustacean for which the venom has been described.
However, they stressed that the remipede’s habitat is under thread with the construction of the Tren Maya intercity railroad.
“Our study highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity, not only for its ecological significance, but also for potential substances that could be of crucial importance to us humans,” said co-author Dr von Reumont.
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