It look longer than a decade to figure out, but researchers finally identified how a coral snake's poisonous venom kills prey. Using biochemical studies, the researchers successfully identified the two proteins responsible for the venom: micrurotoxins (MmTx). The researchers tagged these proteins and observed them to figure out how they cause the seizures that kill the prey. Basically, these proteins bind onto the GABA (A) receptors located in the pores of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord of the prey. Once attached, the MmTX proteins do not let go. The strong binding changes the shape of the pore and keeps it permanently open. Because of this, the nerve cells cannot reset; thus, false signals are sent to the brain. This leads to the constant convulsion of the prey that leads to their eventual death. The researchers then go on to state that they hope their findings can shed light onto the workings of other seizure-like disorders (ex: epilepsy).
I feel like the article is a clear example of how useful genetics can be because the findings of this experiment can help further understand diseases in humans (like epilepsy). Also, it's crazy to me how long it took the researchers to understand how this specific species' venom works. The article states that it acts completely different than venoms from other snakes. It just makes me wonder how this specific snake's venom became so different. Were there mutations? Was it due to environmental factors? Maybe other work can be done to answer these questions.
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