VENOM TOXINS REVEAL ION-CHANNEL DIVERSITY

Naturally-occurring venoms contain toxins of extraordinary potency and selectivity. The properties of these toxins are proving useful in the discrimination of pharmacologically distinct receptor and ion channels types in nerve and muscle. Of relevance to pest control is the occurrence of phylogenetically selective toxins, some of which have already been shown to increase the efficacy of insecticidal baculovirus strains. Venoms may thus facilitatate introduction of engineered biological agents which may be considered fourth generation insecticides of the future.