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...

Deciphering Scorpion Toxin-Induced Pain: Molecular Mechanisms and Ion Channel Dynamics

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Deciphering Scorpion Toxin-Induced Pain: Molecular Mechanisms and Ion Channel Dynamics

Abstract

Scorpion toxins significantly disrupt the normal function of ion channels, leading to abnormal nerve excitability and severe pain responses. Notably, α-type sodium channel toxins (α-NaTx) and β-type sodium channel toxins (β-NaTx) target sodium channels through distinct mechanisms: α-NaTx prolongs channel opening, while β-NaTx lowers the activation threshold, resulting in persistent nerve overexcitation and heightened pain. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pain-inducing venom peptides isolated from various scorpion species, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms involving ion channels. Furthermore, it explores the potential applications of these toxins in scientific research and drug development, highlighting their significance in advancing our understanding of pain mechanisms and facilitating the development of novel analgesic therapies.

He D, Lei Y, Qin H, Cao Z, Kwok HF. Deciphering Scorpion Toxin-Induced Pain: Molecular Mechanisms and Ion Channel Dynamics. Int J Biol Sci 2025; 21(7):2921-2934. doi:10.7150/ijbs.109713. https://www.ijbs.com/v21p2921.htm