The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Review of the distribution of π΄π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘›π‘’π‘  π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’π‘₯𝑖 (Audouin, 1825) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Morocco

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Review of the distribution of π΄π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘›π‘’π‘  π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’π‘₯𝑖 (Audouin, 1825) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Morocco

Abstract

This is a brief synoptic review of π΄π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘›π‘’π‘  π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’π‘₯𝑖 (Audouin, 1825) in Morocco. A summary of its morphological description is provided. Five new localities of this species in Morocco from Errachidia (1 station) and Tinghir (4 stations) provinces are reported, substantiated by photos of live specimens observed therein. Based on previous ecological study of this species, with its observation records on iNaturalist and geographical references from satellite images, we suggest that 𝐴. π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’π‘₯𝑖 may spread more widely in the extreme southern Morocco, a Saharan area with vast arid regions of suitable ecological conditions for its dispersal, into the north of Mauritania. An updated distribution map of this species in Morocco is provided as per these new records and previous studies. Finally, after comparing its morphology with its congeners, we urge a more systematic review of this species giving the ambiguity of its true identity and the likelihood of being a species-complex comprising three cryptic lineages.

Mousaid, Mohamed & Tang, Victoria. (2024). Review of the distribution of π΄π‘›π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘π‘‘π‘œπ‘›π‘’π‘  π‘Žπ‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘’π‘₯𝑖 (Audouin, 1825) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Morocco. SERKET  The Arachnological Bulletin of the Middle East and North Africa. vol.19. 78-92.