Proteomic characterization of Tityus championi venom and recombinant expression of its major neurotoxin

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  Proteomic characterization of Tityus championi venom and recombinant expression of its major neurotoxin Abstract Background:   Tityus championi is a species endemic to the southern Talamanca Mountain Range, along the border region between Costa Rica and Panama, and has been associated with severe clinical cases. Despite its medical relevance, the composition of its venom remains poorly studied. The present study aimed to characterize the proteomic composition of T. championi venom, identify its main toxin families, and recombinantly produce one of its most abundant and lethal toxins for potential use in antivenom development. Methods:   Venom composition was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), enabling the identification of venom proteins. Subsequently, one of its primary lethal toxins (Tcham27) was identified and recombinantly expressed. Results:   Proteomic analysis revealed that the most abundant family in the venom corresponded to metalloproteases, ...

Secrets of a didactic collection: a new tarantula genus from the Montane Forest of north-western Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

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Secrets of a didactic collection: a new tarantula genus from the Montane Forest of north-western Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

Abstract
A new monotypic genus of the subfamily Theraphosinae Thorell, 1869 is described from the Western Cordillera of the Andes in northern Ecuador. The new genus is diagnosed by its distinctive male palpal morphology, including a semi-spatulate bulb caused by a well developed retrolateral inferior keel, presence of a cymbial apophysis, absence of a tibial apophysis, and a new character described in this contribution as a retrolateral tegular process. We comment on the similarities in male palpal bulb morphology with other neotropical genera and provide a preliminary phylogenic placement based on morphology. 

Peñaherrera-R, Pedro & Pinos-Sánchez, Andrés & Guerrero-Campoverde, Ariel & León-E, Roberto J. & Cisneros-Heredia, Diego. (2024). Secrets of a didactic collection: a new tarantula genus from the Montane Forest of north-western Ecuador (Araneae: Theraphosidae). 1185-1191.