Australian Funnel-web spiders and delta-hexatoxin (aka Versutoxin)

[Astronuc]

The venom of the Sydney Funnel-web and its two cousins (Southern Sydney Funnel-web, Newcastle Funnel-web) contains a neurotoxin called delta-hexatoxin (aka Versutoxin), which disrupts sodium channels in humans, causing disturbances in respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate. Weirdly enough, this venom only appears to harm humans and other primates (along with smaller prey of the spiders). Many other mammals aren’t the least bit affected by envenomation.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/th...-its-venom-may-inspire-medical-miracles-48107

The venom contains small proteins or peptides that can modify the ion channels and receptors in mammalian neurons. In some cases, these building blocks can target certain channels to combat epilepsy, abdominal pain, and stroke.

In the case of stroke, the venom of the K’gari funnel-web spider (which lives off the southern coast of Queensland on the island of K’gari) is making a big difference. A molecule in the venom, called Hi1a, is being studied for its ability to prevent neuron death and brain damage during an ischemic stroke.

These therapies, along with several others being investigated right now, are proving that funnel-web spiders are much more than just a scary face.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versutoxin#Mechanism_behind_Neurotoxic_Properties

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028390817301557 (subscription or purchase requred)

he structure of versutoxin (δ-atracotoxin-Hv1) provides insights into the binding of site 3 neurotoxins to the voltage-gated sodium channel​

https://www.cell.com/structure/fulltext/S0969-2126(97)00301-8