Platypus venom: source of novel compounds

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dc.contributor.authorKoh, JMSen_AU
dc.contributor.authorBansal, PSen_AU
dc.contributor.authorTorres, AMen_AU
dc.contributor.authorKuchel, PWen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2009-11-22T23:09:40Zen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-30T05:05:07Zen_AU
dc.date.available2009-11-22T23:09:40Zen_AU
dc.date.available2010-04-30T05:05:07Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2009-10en_AU
dc.date.statistics2009-10en_AU
dc.description.abstractAn anatomical feature of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) that is seen in only one other mammal, the echidna, is that the male has a crural glandular system that produces venom that is used for defence and territorial-breeding functions; whether the echidna is similarly venomous is not yet established. Platypus venom contains many novel proteins and peptides that are different from those in reptilian venom. It also causes pain and symptoms that are not experienced by any other kind of envenomation. Five types of proteins and peptides have been isolated and identified from platypus venom, namely: defensin-like peptides (DLPs); Ornithorhynchus venom C-type natriuretic peptides (OvCNPs); Ornithorhynchus nerve growth factor; hyaluronidase; and L-to-D-peptide isomerase. The structures of DLPs and OvCNPs have already been studied and they are very similar to b-defensin-12 and mammalian C-type natriuretic peptides, respectively. A special mammalian L-to-D-peptide isomerase that is responsible for interconverting the L-and D-peptide isomers is also found in platypus venom. Isomerase activity has recently been discovered in platypus tissues other than the venom gland. It is possible that similar kinds of enzymes might exist in other mammals and play important, as yet unknown, biological roles. Considering the fact that some animal venoms have already been widely used in pharmaceutical applications, research into platypus venom may lead to the discovery of new molecules and potent drugs that are useful biomedical tools. © 2009, CSIRO Publishingen_AU
dc.identifier.citationKoh, J. M. S., Bansal, P. S., Torres, A. M., & Kuchel, P. W. (2009). Platypus venom: source of novel compounds. Australian Journal of Zoology, 57(3-4), 203-210. doi:10.1071/ZO09040en_AU
dc.identifier.govdoc1334en_AU
dc.identifier.issn0004-959Xen_AU
dc.identifier.issue3-4en_AU
dc.identifier.journaltitleAustralian Journal of Zoologyen_AU
dc.identifier.pagination203-210en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ZO09040en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/2429en_AU
dc.identifier.volume57en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherCSIRO Publishingen_AU
dc.subjectVenomsen_AU
dc.subjectPeptidesen_AU
dc.subjectMammalsen_AU
dc.subjectProteinsen_AU
dc.subjectEnzymesen_AU
dc.subjectIsomerasesen_AU
dc.titlePlatypus venom: source of novel compoundsen_AU
dc.typeJournal Articleen_AU
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