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...

A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change

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A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change 

Abstract

Scorpion stings represent a major public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical regions like Iran, scorpion stings are commonly ignored and under-reported. Hemiscorpius is medically important genus in the family Hemiscorpiidae, comprising approximately 19 described species. This study aims to estimate the potential distribution of Hemiscorpius acanthocercus, identify suitable habitats, examine environmental constraints on its range, and provide insights into the species’ ecology and areas at increased risk of scorpion stings. Using MaxEnt, I analyzed 63 occurrence records of H. acanthocercus with 4 temperature, 2 precipitation variables, and vegetation cover. The most influential predictors in the best-fitting distribution model were BIO4 (Temperature seasonality; 67.5%), BIO7 (Annual temperature range; 13.6%). The models indicate that the species is currently distributed along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Hormozgan, Kerman, Fars, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. Future projections under RCP 8.5 suggest slight northward shifts into higher latitudes, particularly into northern Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, with areas in Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan also predicted as highly suitable. The persistence and expansion of this medically significant species under future climate scenarios underline the importance of ongoing monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and proactive sting prevention—particularly to protect children, who are most at risk.


Hosseinzadeh, M. S. A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change. Journal of Medical Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaf075