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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
10:25
Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
Published on: November 3, 2014
Orally active acaricidal peptide toxins from spider venom
Ashis K Mukherjee1, Brianna L Sollod, Stephen K Wikel
1Department of Molecular, Microbial and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3305, USA.
Summary
Spider venom toxins show promise as new acaricides against the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). These peptide neurotoxins, targeting calcium channels, offer a potential solution to combat acaricide resistance and loss in the market.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Entomology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acarines (ticks and mites) pose significant threats to animals, humans, and agriculture.
- Limited availability and loss of existing acaricides due to resistance and regulatory issues necessitate novel solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate new acaricidal compounds from natural sources.
- To investigate the efficacy of Australian funnel-web spider venom neurotoxins against the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).
Main Methods:
- Isolation of peptide neurotoxins from Hadronyche versuta venom.
- Administration of toxins to lone star ticks via injection and feeding.
- Observation and analysis of toxicological effects and lethality.
Main Results:
- Two families of peptide neurotoxins from Hadronyche versuta venom demonstrated lethal effects on Amblyomma americanum.
- The toxins function as specific blockers of arthropod voltage-gated calcium channels.
- Omega-atracotoxin-Hv1a exhibited potent acaricidal activity regardless of administration route (injection or ingestion).
Conclusions:
- Australian funnel-web spider venom contains potent acaricidal compounds effective against the lone star tick.
- Targeting arthropod voltage-gated calcium channels with specific neurotoxins presents a viable strategy for developing new acaricides.
- Omega-atracotoxin-Hv1a's efficacy via both injection and ingestion suggests potential for diverse application methods.
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