Australian skinks have evolved molecular defences protecting their muscles from deadly snake venom, offering insights for treating human snakebites, research indicated on Tuesday.

The study’s lead author, University of Queensland (UQ) Prof.  Bryan Fry described the skinks’ adaptations as “evolution at its most ingenious,” according to a statement released by UQ, which led the study.

“Australian skinks have evolved tiny changes in the nicotinic acetylcholine muscle receptor, preventing neurotoxins from blocking nerve-muscle communication causing rapid paralysis and death,” Fry said.

Researchers from 10 organisations found 25 independent skink mutations blocking venom from attaching, similar to mutations in venom-resistant mongooses which feed on cobras.

“It’s a testament to the massive evolutionary pressure that venomous snakes exerted after their arrival and spread across the Australian continent, when they would have feasted on the defenceless lizards of the day,” Fry said.

Key adaptations included the addition of sugar molecules to physically block toxins and the substitution of a specific amino acid in the receptor, according to the study involving collaborations with museums across Australia.

Laboratory experiments with synthetic peptides and receptor models revealed molecular-level interactions when venom entered an animal, showing that these modified receptors effectively resist venom binding.

“One tiny change in a protein can mean the difference between life and death when facing a highly venomous predator,” said Uthpala Chandrasekara from UQ’s Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab.

The study’s co-author was conducting the functional testing.

The findings, detailed in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, published by MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) in Switzerland, expand understanding of venom resistance.

It could lead to new antivenoms and treatments for neurotoxic snakebites in humans. 

(Xinhua/NAN)