A new investigation published in the FEBS Open Bio journal reveals information about the venom of two of the world’s most venomous fish species: the estuarine stonefish (Synanceia horrida) and the reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa), which are typically found in warm, shallow regions of the Indo-Pacific, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Through multiple analytical techniques, the researchers discovered the presence of three new neurotransmitters in the stonefish venom, namely gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), choline, and 0-acetylcholine.
Although these molecules have previously been found in venoms of other species, such as wasps and spiders, this is the first report of a fish venom containing GABA, which is capable of modulating cardiovascular function with a range of effects, including an increased heart rate and a decreased blood pressure.
“Characterizing the specific venom composition of each of these fish species not only allows us to better understand envenomation mechanisms, which are necessary for the development of treatments against the effects of the venom, but can also help in the exploration and development of venom-derived compounds in drug discovery,” says the corresponding author Silvia Luiza Saggiomo, PhD, who was at the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine while conducting this investigation and is currently at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
