Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution

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  Image Credit: WikiCommons Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution Abstract The comparison of chromosome-level genomes allows biologists to investigate new axes of organismal evolution. Spiders comprise a significant proportion of known arachnid diversity, with many complex morphologies and unique natural histories, yet comparative genomics in spiders has been limited due to the number of available genomes. We present a de novo chromosomal reference genome of a mature male tarantula, Aphonopelma marxi, and comparatively examine spider genome evolution across the Order Araneae. Using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing, the final 6.5 Gb assembly consists of 17 autosomes, 1 X chromosome, and 127 unplaced scaffolds, with an N50 of 370 Mb and Arachnida (odb10; 2934 genes) BUSCO of 96.7%. By comparing 20 additional spider genomes from 15 families, we find mygalomo...

A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom

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A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom

Abstract

Introduction

Buthus species, including B paris, are classified as one of the most dangerous scorpion genera in Morocco, implicated in several cases of human death. Our objective is to characterize, for the first time, the toxicity and histopathologic and biochemical impacts of B paris venom.

Methods

We investigated the experimental pathophysiology of B paris venom by examining histologic changes in vital organs (heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs) and assessing biochemical enzymatic markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, urea, and creatinine) in mice injected subcutaneously with 2 doses of 400 and 450 mg·kg–1.

Results

Our results showed that the subcutaneous median lethal dose of B paris venom was around 0.52 mg·kg–1. Histologic findings revealed significant tissue damage in the previously mentioned vital organs, confirmed through biochemical analysis indicating impaired heart and liver functions. Additionally, an increase in urea, creatinine, and glucose levels occurred following B paris venom injection.

Conclusion

Our findings show that B paris venom exhibits a high level of experimental toxicity. These results highlight the potentially lethal nature of this venom and emphasize the potential medical importance of this species.

Elmourid A, Elhidan MA, Boussaa S, et al. A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/10806032241249748