Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders

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  Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders Abstract Spiders are largely terrestrial, but some lineages have independently adapted to marine and freshwater habitats. Although physiological and behavioral traits supporting these evolutionary transitions have been characterized, the genomic basis of adaptation to aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats in spiders remains unclear. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for the aquatic spider Argyroneta aquatica. Comparative analysis of 22 spider species supports two independent transitions in semi-aquatic (∼56 Mya) and aquatic (∼44 Mya) lineages. The aquatic spider show distinct respiratory morphology compared with terrestrial spiders, including anterior spiracles and denser tracheoles. Molecular evolution analyses identified lineage-specific shifts in selective constraint or evidence of positive selection linked to trachea development (e.g., Wnt-1, Catenin beta, TMEM23...

Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

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Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract

For centuries, researchers have been fascinated by the composition of scorpion venom and its local and systemic effects on humans. During a sting, scorpions inject peptides and proteins that can affect immune cells and neurons. While the immune and nervous systems have been studied independently in the context of scorpion stings, here we reveal part of the mechanism by which Tityus serrulatus venom induces hyperalgesia in mice. Through behavioral, immune, imaging assays, and mice genetics, we demonstrate evidence of neuroimmune crosstalk during scorpion stings. Tityus serrulatus venom induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, as well as overt pain-like behavior. The venom directly activated dorsal root ganglia neurons and increased the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Blocking TRPV1+ neurons, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NFκB reduced the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, overt pain-like behavior, and the migration of macrophages and neutrophils induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. Collectively, Tityus serrulatus venom targets primary afferent nociceptive TRPV1+ neurons to induce hyperalgesia through the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.


Ferraz, C. R., Manchope, M. F., Bertozzi, M. M., Andrade, K. C., Franciosi, A., Zaninelli, T. H., Borghi, S. M., Cândido, D. M., Cunha, T. M., Casagrande, R., Kwasniewski, F. H., & Verri, W. A. (2025). Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. Toxins, 17(7), 332. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17070332 

Image Credit: @tityus_is_cool