Why study animal toxins?

  In the evolution of animals, venom (toxin) occupies an important place in the evolutionary tree. Based on our understanding of venoms, such as their production and disappearance, and their biological relevance and evolutionary patterns with other organisms, it is of great help to our understanding of many basic biological issues, such as adaptability to the environment and competition for survival. The development and balance of venom, as well as the complex associations between venom, immunity, physical strength, intelligence, genetic basis, and innate factors have contributed to evolution, and also resulted in cost-benefit analysis and trade-offs in bioeconomy.

  Fatal animal bites have been found all over the world. However, from enemies to friends, toxin research has allowed many important discoveries and exciting experiments to be deciphered and overcome many human diseases, including many Nobel Prize-winning results and important clinical treatment programs. According to our investigation, so far, less than 0.1% of toxic animal toxins have been developed in China.

  We emphasize the similarities between venom and the immune system, so toxin research is based on the knowledge of physiological toxin protein/peptide (TLP). We proposed the natural pairing hypothesis. In the process of evolution, toxins are closely related to humans. Our task is to find the correct natural pairing and the interaction of our body elements with toxins and endogenous toxin molecules. Although in nature, toxins may endanger human life, from a philosophical point of view, a good understanding of them is a more effective way than understanding yourself. So, this is why we study toxins.