Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

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  Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation Abstract Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findin...

Influence of lead exposure on growth and transcriptome in wolf spider Pardosa laura

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Influence of lead exposure on growth and transcriptome in wolf spider Pardosa laura

Abstract

As a raw material commonly used in industrial production, Pb is often found in the released waste, posing a serious threat to ecosystem and human. Pardosa laura (Araneae: Lycosidae) is one of the most dominant species of spider found in farmland ecosystem and plays a very important role in Pb transfer among the food web. To comprehensively understand the toxicological effects of Pb on spider, we delivered Pb to Pardosa laura through diet, and investigated the Pb effect on spider growth, antioxidase activities and transcriptome. Specifically, Pb hindered the spider growth and resulted in a reduced survival rate. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were enhanced in the Pb-exposed spider, while no significant change was found in the glutathione S-transferase activity. 117 up-regulated genes and 60 down-regulated genes were identified in the Pb-exposed spider by using transcriptome sequencing, and these DEGs were mainly enriched in oxidoreductase activity, transmembrane transport, fat digestion and absorption, peptidase activity, apoptosis, peptidase activity and lysosome. The results of this study contribute to the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the spider response to Pb.

Hu, Lang, Lelei Wen, Lieping Wang, Cao Zheng, Zihao Yuan, and Changchun Li. "Influence of Lead Exposure on Growth and Transcriptome in Wolf Spider Pardosa Laura." Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 27, no. 1 (2024): 102197. Accessed January 19, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2024.102197.