Australian skinks have evolved the ability to resist snake venom by modifying a critical muscle receptor, according to new research from the University of Queensland. This discovery could help streamline the development of future antivenoms.
The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, examined 47 skink species and found that 13 were resistant to snake venom. In some cases, these species had multiple types of resistance, with the researchers identifying 25 independent evolutionary events that conferred protection.
Professor Bryan Fry, a co-author and head of UQ’s adaptive biotoxicology lab, noted that the mutations observed in Australian skinks are similar to those found in other venom-resistant animals, such as the mongoose and honey badger. The Australian major skink, Bellatorias frerei, shares a mutation with the honey badger that provides resistance to cobra venom.
The team used synthetic peptides and receptor models to study the molecular interactions, avoiding the need to test venom on live animals. Dr Uthpala Chandrasekara, another co-author, explained that some modified receptors did not respond at all to venom, highlighting how small protein changes can mean the difference between life and death.
Dr Andrew Amey of the Queensland Museum, who was not involved in the research, emphasised the value of studying Australia’s 470-plus skink species to understand how they cope with predators, which may offer insights for managing snakebite effects in humans.
