Bullfrog Protein Could Neutralize Deadly Shellfish Toxin, Study Finds
Saxiphilin, a protein found in American bullfrogs, has the potential to serve as an antidote for saxitoxin, a neurotoxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which currently lacks a cure. A study led by Daniel Minor at the University of California, San Francisco, published in Nature Communications on July 16, reveals that saxiphilin can protect mice from fatal doses of saxitoxin by binding to the toxin and facilitating its removal from the body. Remarkably, nine out of ten mice treated with saxiphilin after exposure to the toxin survived. Saxitoxin builds up in shellfish during harmful algal blooms, leading to PSP, with symptoms manifesting within 30 minutes and a mortality rate of approximately 8.5%. Smithsonian Magazine reported these findings on August 26, 2026.
Key facts
- Saxitoxin is a deadly neurotoxin causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) with no known antidote.
- American bullfrogs produce a protein called saxiphilin that can neutralize saxitoxin.
- Study published in Nature Communications on July 16, led by Daniel Minor at UCSF.
- Saxiphilin acts as a 'molecular sponge,' binding to the toxin and aiding its excretion.
- In mice, saxiphilin given one minute after toxin exposure saved 9 out of 10 animals.
- Saxitoxin is considered a chemical weapon under international law and was stockpiled by the U.S. during the Cold War.
- PSP affects about 2,000 people worldwide each year, with a fatality rate of 8.5%.
- Researchers tested saxiphilin for prevention, neutralization, and rescue, a comprehensive approach.
- Rebecca Tarvin of UC Berkeley praised the study but noted the gap between mice and human therapies.
- Further research is needed to test saxiphilin against various shellfish toxins and determine delivery methods.
Entities
Institutions
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of California, Berkeley
- Nature Communications
- Smithsonian Magazine
- KQED
- Science News
Locations
- United States
- New York City