Gila monsters: clues into new drug development?

Venomous animals, while scary to some, can have applications to human heath that are pretty amazing. For example, did you know that certain kinds of snake venom contain proteins that can treat blood clots? Or that spider venom proteins can help with pain management? Now, thanks to a lot of hard work, scientists may be able to use proteins from gila monster venom to help humans, too.

Researchers at Aarhus University have worked to create a detailed description of the proteins in gila monster venom. A protein produced by gila monsters is used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, and it’s possible that other components of gila monster venom could have significant human applications, as well. This research discovered 19 proteins that no one had known to be a part of gila monster venom.

By mapping lizard venom, researchers have been able to learn more about protein functions. Hopefully, scientists will be able to use this new information to develop new drugs. Read more about this research here.