Tarantula venom peptide may provide relief for IBS pain

Spider venom isn’t normally something you want in your body, but in some cases there might be exceptions.

Australian researchers have now identified two peptides from tarantula venom that show promise in blocking organ pain, working particularly well in mouse models of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

After screening 28 spider species, the team found a particularly promising candidate in the venom of the Pinkfoot Goliath tarantula. Found in Venezuela and Brazil, this is one of the biggest spiders in the world, with a leg span measuring around 30 cm (11.8 in).

The researchers found two peptides, named Tap1a and Tap2a, which were very effective at inhibiting the ion channels associated with pain. In tests on mice modeling IBS, the team found that Tap1a was particularly potent, almost completely reducing chronic visceral pain caused by the illness.

“We now have a really strong understanding of the structure and function of these spider venom peptides,” says Richard Lewis, lead researcher on the study. “The highly selective ones have potential as treatments for pain, while others are useful as new research tools to allow us to understand the underlying drivers of pain in different diseases.”