Research into spider venom is paving the way for potential treatments for Australians suffering from drug-resistant genetic epilepsies. A collaborative study conducted by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and The University of Queensland (UQ) has revealed that specific peptides derived from spider venom can correct mutations in ion channels, a key factor in many genetic epilepsies.
Brisbane resident Chris De Rooy has witnessed the impact of epilepsy firsthand through her 22-year-old son, Seth De Rooy. Seth has battled epilepsy since the age of two, experiencing as many as 48 seizures annually by his twelfth birthday. “A lot of the time he would end up in hospital because we couldn’t get him to breathe. It was very frightening,” Chris recalled.
The challenges of managing Seth’s condition intensified when he was diagnosed with a mutation in the KCNH1 gene, which plays a crucial role in regulating electrical activity in the brain. According to UQ, around 250,000 people in Australia currently live with epilepsy, with more than 30 percent of patients showing resistance to conventional treatments.
Breakthrough Research in Spider Venom
The findings from RBWH and UQ suggest that spider venom could serve as a “precision therapy” for these individuals. Neurologist Lata Vadlamudi emphasized the transformative potential of this research. “For those with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies, the seizures represent only the tip of the iceberg in terms of quality of life,” she noted. “Below the surface lies a range of challenges, including intellectual difficulties, behavioral issues, and increased risk of premature death.”
Researcher Glenn King pointed out that spiders have evolved over 400 million years to create highly effective modulators of ion channels. The team is focused on identifying small proteins, or peptides, in spider venom that can help restore normal brain activity in patients with epilepsy.
Seth has recently experienced improvements in his condition after working with an adult neurologist since he turned 18. “He doesn’t have many seizures anymore,” Chris said, expressing her optimism about ongoing research. “To know there is research happening right on our doorstep that could change the lives of someone like Seth down the track is so heartening.”
Changing the Treatment Paradigm
The research team aims to shift away from the traditional “trial-and-error” approach to epilepsy treatment, which has remained largely unchanged despite the availability of over 25 anti-seizure medications. Vadlamudi stressed the importance of developing innovative, patient-specific therapies. “With spider-venom peptides, we now have the potential for targeted treatment approaches that address the underlying causes of epilepsy rather than just managing seizures,” she stated.
As this groundbreaking research progresses, it holds the promise of not only improving the quality of life for those with epilepsy but also alleviating the tremendous stress placed on caregivers. The collaborative efforts of RBWH and UQ bring renewed hope for families like the De Rooys, as they look toward a future where effective treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy are within reach.
