Editorial: Venom Peptides: A Rich Combinatorial Library for Drug Development
Fernanda C. Cardoso, Denis Servent, Maria Elena de Lima
Abstract
Venom peptides are exceptional natural molecules in which bioactivities led to venom-derived drugs such as Captopril to treat hypertension Their proved translation into new therapeutics have attracted researchers seeking molecular tools and drugs for a variety of diseases from neurological disorders to cancer, autoimmunity and infection (Cardoso, 2020). In addition, venom peptides have been studied as pesticides which led to the development of the bioinsecticide Spear comprising a spider peptide In this Research Topic in Frontiers of Molecular Biosciences, we captured state-of-the-art research in venom peptides through eight original research papers and five reviews. From spider, snake, scorpion and cone snail venoms applied in venomics and structure-function studies to the pre-clinical efficacy of venom-derived peptides, we navigate through exceptional research findings in the field of venom peptides and their applications into novel pharmacological and biotechnological tools.