Scientists studying the gympie-gympie tree, known for its agonising sting that can cause pain lasting weeks or months, believe its unique toxins could lead to the development of new non-opioid pain relievers.
The Dendrocnide moroides, commonly found in Queensland rainforests, produces a neurotoxin similar to that of a spider or cone snail. The toxin, named gympietide, interacts with nerves via fine needle-like hairs on the leaves.
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that the gympietide toxin requires a partner protein called TMEM233 to bind to sodium channels in sensory nerve cells, a mechanism never seen before. Without this protein, the toxin has no effect.
Professor Irina Vetter said the persistent pain caused by the toxin offers hope for converting these compounds into long-lasting painkillers or anaesthetics, potentially avoiding the side effects and dependency issues associated with conventional pain relief.
