Abstract:
The unique geographic isolation of Australia has resulted in the evolution of a distinctive range of Australian arachnid
fauna. Through the pioneering work of a number of Australian arachnologists, toxinologists and clinicians, the taxonomy
and distribution of new species, the effective clinical treatment of envenomation and the isolation and characterisation of
the many distinctive neurotoxins, has been achieved. In particular. work has focussed on several Australian arachnids,
including red-back and funnel-web spiders, paralysis ticks, and buthid scorpions that contain neurotoxins capable of
causing death or serious systemic envenomation. In the case of spiders, species-specific antivenoms have been developed to
treat envenomed patients that show considerable cross-reactivity. Both in vitro and clinical case studies have shown they
are particularly efficacious in the treatment of envenomation by spiders even from unrelated families. Despite their
notorious reputation, the high selectivity and potency of a unique range of toxins from the venom of Australian arachnids
will make them invaluable molecular tools for studies of neurotransmitter release and vesicle exocytosis as well as ion
channel structure and function. The venoms of funnel-web spiders. and more recently Australian scorpions, have also
provided a previously untapped rich source of insect-selective neurotoxins for the future development of biopesticides and
the characterisation of previously unvalidated insecticide targets. This review provides a historical viewpoint of the work of many toxinologists to isolate and characterise just some of the toxins produced by such a unique group of arachnids and
examines the potential applications of these novel peptides.
