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Toad showing toxin exudation2_Jan08

Cane toad toxin exudation, courtesy of Kimberley ToadBusters Inc.



5.T.2 Cane toad toxic venoms and pheromones

This project aims to approach the control of cane toads by exploring and understanding the chemical and ecology of cane toads, and to use this knowledge to develop strategies capable of enhancing the success of baiting and trapping programs.

Despite many prior studies, the chemical composition of cane toad toxin has not benefited from modern chemical analysis.  Comprehensive chemical analysis is revealing classes of toxic molecules with potent and selective biological mechanisms of action. 

This study aims to  assess the full suite of toxic chemical constituents (small molecules, peptides, proteins, volatiles, involatiles, etc..), as well as their natural occurrence against a range of variables including, sex (M vs F); fertility cycle; life cycle (tadpole - juvenile - mature); healthy vs stressed; season, ecosystem and geography. 

Knowledge of the molecular structure and distribution of venom constituents, along with their mode of action, will reveal a selection of potential biological targets able to support the development of toad specific poisons.

Progress

The project team is well established, with defined protocols and clear objectives.   A thorough literature review has been undertaken. 

A workshop held by the IA CRC in June 2006 facilitated the development of key collaborations within the universities of Sydney, Adelaide, and James Cook.

Methodologies have been established for the qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of toad secretions.

Chemical and biological data on venoms and pheromones are being analysed.

Collaborations 

The University of Queensland is providing the resources of its Institute for Molecular Bioscience, and a number of research staff:

  • Professor Rob Capon - Project Leader
  • Professor Paul Alewood
  • Professor Gordon Grigg
  • Professor Richard Lewis 
  • Dr Andrew Hayes
  • Alexis Barrett.

Article

Prof Rob Capon_web

Project leader: Professor Rob Capon, University of Qld


Contacts

Prof Rob Capon
University of Queensland
Tel: 07 33462979

Mobile: 412442158
Fax: 07 3346 2090

Centre for Molecular Biodiversity, IMB
St Lucia, QLD 4072Australia

Mr Chris Lane
Terrestrial Coordinator
IA CRC
Tel: 0263913897

Mobile: 0429819406
Fax: 0263913972

Forest Road
Orange, NSW 2800 Australia

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