Spider venom peptides Ht1a and Gg1a are toxic to honeybee parasite Varroa destructor by topical application

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  Spider venom peptides Ht1a and Gg1a are toxic to honeybee parasite Varroa destructor by topical application Abstract Global food supply strongly depends on honeybee pollination services, which are threatened by insecticides and pests such as parasitic Varroa destructor mites. Chemical varroacides/acaricides are hampered by resistance development, necessitating the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, with arthropod venom peptides being considered promising sources of acaricidal toxins. With only a few acaricidal venom peptides being reported, we performed a systematic topical screening of 50 arthropod venoms against V. destructor , with 78% of the venoms causing 100% mortality after 24 h. Deconvolution of the venoms from the Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes and the Giant Japanese funnel-web spider Gigathele gigas led to identification of the varroacidal peptides Ht1a and Gg1a. Topical application of Ht1a and Gg1a reduced varroa mite ...

Deadly cures: Unlocking anticancer potential of reptile, amphibian, and arthropod venoms through molecular innovation and nanotechnology

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Deadly cures: Unlocking anticancer potential of reptile, amphibian, and arthropod venoms through molecular innovation and nanotechnology

Abstract

Venoms from reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods represent a rich source of bioactive molecules with promising anticancer potential. Recent studies have highlighted the selective cytotoxicity of venom components including snake phospholipase A2 enzymes, scorpion peptides (chlorotoxin), and frog derived antimicrobial peptides against cancer cells. These molecules exert multifaceted effects, such as inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and modulating the tumor microenvironment, thereby impairing tumor growth and progression. Advances in nanotechnology based delivery systems and peptide engineering have significantly improved the stability, bioavailability, and specificity of venom derived agents, enhancing their safety and therapeutic efficacy. Preclinical investigations demonstrate potent anticancer activity across multiple tumor models, and early clinical studies suggest translational potential. Current research continues to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying venom-mediated cytotoxicity, while formulation strategies and regulatory considerations are being optimized to facilitate clinical development. Future directions include the design of synthetic venom analogs, AI assisted drug discovery, and personalized medicine approaches, which collectively aim to harness the full therapeutic potential of venom peptides. By integrating natural bioactivity with modern biomedical technologies, venom derived compounds are emerging as a novel and promising avenue in the development of next-generation oncological therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of venom diversity, anticancer mechanisms, recent advances in formulation and delivery, and the challenges and opportunities for translating venom-based agents into clinical practice.
Shankar, P. R., & Unni, A. (2026). Deadly cures: Unlocking anticancer potential of reptile, amphibian, and arthropod venoms through molecular innovation and nanotechnology. Next Nanotechnology, 9, 100378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxnano.2026.100378