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

  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...

New data on the Arachnofauna (Arachnidae Araneae Opiliones) of Enna and surrounding areas (Sicily, Italy) with some first reports for Sicily

 


New data on the Arachnofauna (Arachnidae Araneae Opiliones) of Enna and surrounding areas (Sicily, Italy) with some first reports for Sicily

ABSTRACT


In this paper we present faunistic data on Arachnid collected, with sampling on sight during 2019 and 2020, in Enna (Sicily, Italy. The arachnofauna of this area of the Island is poorly studied, to date only 16 species of spiders are reported for this municipality. 180 taxa of spiders are known in total now, 15 of this (1 first report in Italy) and 6 genera are new for Sicily, in particular Pritha nana (Simon, 1868) (Filistatidae), Micaria coarctata (Lucas, 1846), Micaria dives (Lucas, 1846), Poecilochroa loricata Kritscher, 1996 (Gnaphosidae) (new for Italy), Agroeca sp.Scotina celans (Blackwall, 1841) (Liocranidae), Bolyphantes luteolus (Blackwall, 1833), Centromerus arcanus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1873), Lepthyphantes minutus (Blackwall, 1833), Linyphia mimonti Simon, 1885, Megalepthyphantes collinus (L. Koch, 1872), Walckenaeria corniculans (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1875), Walckenaeria monoceros (Wider, 1834) (Linyphiidae), Synageles venator (Lucas, 1836) (Salticidae) and Enoplognatha afrodite Hippa et Oksala, 1983 (Theridiidae) and 3 species of opilions. Additional biological and taxonomic notes on these spiders are also provided.


New data on the Arachnofauna (Arachnidae Araneae Opiliones) of Enna and surrounding areas (Sicily, Italy) with some first reports for Sicily https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2024.15.2.363.375