(MENAFN) Australian skinks have developed remarkable molecular adaptations that shield their muscles from the effects of lethal snake venom, a discovery that could pave the way for improved treatments of human snakebites, researchers announced Tuesday.

The study, spearheaded by the University of Queensland (UQ), reveals that skinks possess subtle alterations in a muscle receptor—specifically the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor—which prevents venom neurotoxins from interrupting communication between nerves and muscles. This disruption typically leads to swift paralysis and death.

This is "evolution at its most ingenious," said Professor Bryan Fry, lead researcher from UQ, in a statement issued by the university.

A team comprising scientists from 10 institutions identified 25 unique mutations across different skink species. These mutations hinder venom from binding to the receptor—an evolutionary tactic similar to that of mongooses, which are known for their resistance to cobra venom.

"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 defenseless lizards of the day," Fry stated.

The Major Skink, native to Australia, was found to share a venom-resistance mutation with the honey badger—another species renowned for its immunity to venom. This suggests that evolution has repeatedly targeted the same molecular defense strategy in different animals.

Key resistance mechanisms include the attachment of sugar molecules that act as physical barriers against toxins, and a critical amino acid swap in the receptor structure, according to the study, which involved extensive collaboration with Australian museums.

Using synthetic peptides and receptor simulations in laboratory conditions, researchers visualized how these modified receptors interact with venom at the molecular level. Their findings confirmed that the evolutionary tweaks prevent venom from binding effectively.

"One tiny change in a protein can mean the difference between life and death when facing a highly venomous predator," said Uthpala Chandrasekara, co-author and member of UQ's Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, who led the functional testing phase.

Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute) in Switzerland, the research broadens the scientific understanding of venom resistance. It also holds promising implications for the development of next-generation antivenoms and therapies for neurotoxic snakebites in humans.

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