When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology

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  When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology I am very happy to share my most recent publication in Toxicon. This is a particularly meaningful publication for me because it brings together two areas that have become an important part of my work and personal interests: tarantulas and toxinology. At first glance, taxonomy and venom research may seem like two very different fields. In reality, they are closely connected. Before we can properly study the venom of a spider, we need to know which spider we are actually studying. Why the Name Matters A scientific name is much more than a label attached to an animal. It connects that animal to everything we report about it, including its biology, distribution, behavior, venom, toxins, and even its potential medical importance. When a tarantula is incorrectly identified, or when an outdated name continues to be used without considering changes in taxonomy, the problem ca...

Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine

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By Leandro Avelar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49733700

Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, prompting the search for novel therapeutic strategies that minimize the limitations of current treatments. Crotamine, a cationic myotoxin isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus spp., has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate due to its selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells and multifaceted biological activities. This review examines the structural and functional characteristics of crotamine, emphasizing its mechanisms of action, such as disruption of ionic homeostasis through calcium influx, inhibition of voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv), and its preferential uptake by proliferating cells as a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). Moreover, crotamine facilitates the intracellular delivery of bioactive compounds, enhancing drug selectivity and efficacy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, with minimal toxicity to normal tissues and low immunogenicity. These features position crotamine as a strong candidate for anticancer drug development. However, further investigation is essential to fully elucidate its molecular targets and mechanisms and to support its clinical translation.
Jacob, B., Alberghini-dos-Santos, J., Ferreira, I., Vieira, B., Malachias-Pires, G., Cerni, F., Pucca, M., Arantes, E., & Oliveira, I. (2025). Snake Venom Meets Oncology: Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Crotamine. Toxicon, 108670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108670