Targeting snake venom metalloproteinases: structural diversity, molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions

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  Targeting snake venom metalloproteinases: structural diversity, molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions Abstract Snake venom Metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are Zn²⁺-dependent endopeptidases categorised under metzincin superfamily and are predominantly found in venom of the “ Viperidae ” family snakes. They are key mediators of venom-induced pathology with associated tissue damage including haemorrhage and oedema. SVMPs are classified as P-I, P-II, and P-III depending on the domains, each differing in structural complexity and organization. Further, the conserved HEXXHXXGXXH catalytic motif organizes a Zn 2+ ion, essential for the breakdown of peptide bonds and proteins. Given the limitations of conventional antivenom therapy, increasing attention has been directed toward targeted approaches for SVMPs neutralization, including plant-derived phytocompounds, synthetic and repurposed small-molecule inhibitors, recombinant monoclonal antibodies, and camelid-derived nanobodi...

New records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Azerbaijan, including the first record of Nephilidae from the Western Palaearctic

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New records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Azerbaijan, including the first record of Nephilidae from the Western Palaearctic

Abstract
New faunistic data on spiders of Azerbaijan are presented. Thirteen species are recorded from this country for the first time: Araniella villanii Zamani, Marusik & Šestáková, 2020 (Araneidae), Cesonia aspida Chatzaki, 2002, Civizelotes solstitialis (Levy, 1998), Cryptodrassus hungaricus (Balogh, 1935), Gnaphosa cumensis Ponomarev, 1981, G. ukrainica Ovtsharenko, Platnick & Song, 1992, Micaria atropatene Zamani & Marusik, 2021, Trichothyse senilis (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872), Turkozelotes attavirus Chatzaki, 2019 (all Gnaphosidae),Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878) (Nephilidae), Neottiura uncinata (Lucas, 1846), Paidiscura pallens (Blackwall, 1834)(both Theridiidae), and Xysticus edax (O. Pickard-Cambridge,1872) (Thomisidae); the genera Cesonia Simon, 1893 and Trichonephila Dahl, 1911 are newly recorded from the Caucasus. The record of T. clavata represents the first documented introduction of this family in the Western Palaearctic. 

Zamani, Alireza & Nuruyeva, Tamara & Snegovaya, Nataly & Marusik, Yuri. (2025). New records of spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) from Azerbaijan, including the first record of Nephilidae from the Western Palaearctic. Arachnology. 20. 132–37. via Researchgate