Isolation of a neurotoxin (alpha-colubritoxin) from a 'non-venomous' snake

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Hi all

Here's the next paper in the series, it shows the full sequence and biological activity of the first three-finger toxin to be characterised from a rat snake. ;-)

http://www.venomdoc.com/downloads/2003_BGF_alpha-colubritoxin.pdf

Cheers
Bryan

[kevyn]

Facinating stuff. Like it the paper said it does beg a re -evaluation of the evolution of venomous snakes and again, the purpose of that venom. Excellent thanks for sharing the link.

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

This paper actually predates the two that came out before it. The nuances of journals are such that some take longer than others to come out in print. The LC/MS paper completely re-evaluates venom evolution, including dropping entirely the distinction between colubrid venom glands (formerly termed 'Duvernoy's gland') and the venom gland found in elapid and viper venoms. Further, we have a paper coming out soon that shows quite clearly the single origin of snake venom, including working out the venom composition of the ancestral venomous snake (which contained eight toxin types that are found still in all the venomous snakes, whether 'colubrid', atractaspidid, viperid or elapid ;-)

The LC/MS paper can be downloaded from the publications section of my webpage (as can the other papers published to-date) http://www.venomdoc.com The direct link for the LC/MS paper is http://www.venomdoc.com/downloads/BGF_Colubroidea_RCMS.pdf

Cheers ;-)
Bryan

[kevyn]

Awsome stuff, I look forward to reading these papers. I find the whole concept of venom fascinating, and the evolution of venom and snakes in general, even more so. Your work sounds very exciting and hearing stuff like this gets me thinking of going back to university.

[Maik Dobiey]

Hello

These investigations are rather interesting to me!
Think I should visit your page more regularly...

[nolagurl]

Dr. Brian Fry I showed my friend your website. Turns out he knows you. Thomas Eimermacher.
I highly doubt he uses ssnakess.com though.

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Yep, I know Tom, he's a great bloke. Tell him he should use ssnakess.com or else I won't give him any sympathy the next time he calls at 2AM sobbing about his impotence :eek: Sorry, just couldn't resist that :D

Cheers
Bryan

[Mustangrde1]

Bryan great paper. Now where are those pictures of the Death Adders you were telling me about ? I do not forget when somone says they have found beautiful snakes. I want to see them or im going to line up a gerbil in an anethstic tube and hit the purge button lol. Been working alot mate and havent had time for anything but need to talk to you some more on redheads I think I will go with that breeding prodject. Has WW breed them?

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Hi mate

I'll post the pics eventually ;-) I am just so shockingly busy that I haven't had time to do anything webpage related (and won't for a bit).

Send the gerbil into orbit anyway just for fun ;-p

As for WW breeding redheads, his girlfriend might get a bit pissed about that! ;-p

Cheers
Bryan

[Mustangrde1]

LOL launched@!# should have took the roof off the porch what a mess J/K.

Thanks Bryan look forward to the pics. And take a break man unless ofcourse your collecting a few african animals for your work then I want pics of you in a tree grabbing a boomer along with the Death Adder pics.

[Nightflight99]

Yep, I know Tom, he's a great bloke. Tell him he should use ssnakess.com or else I won't give him any sympathy the next time he calls at 2AM sobbing about his impotence Sorry, just couldn't resist that

LOL - well, if you would finally hook me up with your female grad students like you promised, we wouldn't have that problem ;-p

~TE

[Dr. Bryan Fry]

Well, how would your long-term captive girlfriend feel about that? ;-)