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Researchers in Barcelona have developed an unusual method of administering drugs directly into the brain – it is based on Scorpion venom.
Shakespearian Lunes of Uranus
The Biomedical Research Institute of Barcelona, published in the journal Chemical Communications, describes the use of a chlorotoxin-derived peptide in Scorpion venom for the delivery of drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This barrier protects the brain from toxic substances, but also lacks many potentially useful drugs.
"About 98% of drugs that can have a therapeutic application can not be used because they can not cross this barrier," explains Ernest Giralt's laboratory manager.
The researchers were able to chemically synthesize the chlorotoxin and several of its analogues retained some of the properties of the original peptide. They examined the activities of these compounds in cellular models of BBB and demonstrated that the MiniCTX3 peptide can transport compounds across the BBB with a very high degree of effectiveness.
Just as traditional medicine uses natural products like plants and flowers for the treatment of various diseases, researchers have sought inspiration in venom, aimed at determining peptide 'shuttles'.
"Our goal is to make drugs reach the brain. To do this, we associate them with peptides specifically designed to cross the BBB. The conversion of these drugs into the shuttle will increase their effectiveness, "said Maricel Tayside, co-author of the study.Meritxell Teixidó).
"There are only two or three groups in the world engaged in shuttle peptides. We are working on several strategies, one of them being poisons, "says Geralt.
In previous studies, scientists have found that the peptide Shuttle is able to cross the BBB with a peptide derived from bee – apamin venom.
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