Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies

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  Antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies Abstract Despite advances in cancer therapeutics, there are still challenges in improving drug toxicity and selectivity. Peptides from various venous species have recently garnered attention for their biopharmaceutical potential, particularly in cancer. The present study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the antitumor activity of scorpion venom-derived peptides (SVDPs) previously reported in preclinical models. The bibliographic research included original and review articles written in English published from 2015 to 2026. Studies within the scope were retrieved from the EBSCO Discovery Service, PubMed, and WIPO databases. A total of 27 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this research, and the collected data were synthesized through a meta-analysis. In the included in vitro and in vivo studies, the effect of SVDPs on breast/mammary gland, cervical,...

Junctional microstructure of the non-sticky spiral scaffold in the golden orb web spider, Trichonephila clavata

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Junctional microstructure of the non-sticky spiral scaffold in the golden orb web spider, Trichonephila clavata

Abstract

The non-sticky spiral silk, which typically serves as a temporary structural component in most orb-weaving spiders, functions as a permanent scaffold in the golden orb-web spider (Trichonephila clavata). Composed of double strands approximately 4 μm in diameter, the non-sticky spiral forms robust extended junctions exceeding 200 μm in radius. The muscular cell layer observed within the pyriform gland facilitates the active extrusion of pyriform fibers and cement, enabling efficient wrapping at the junctions. These robust junctions stand in stark contrast to the loose, droplet-mediated adhesion seen in sticky spirals, allowing the non-sticky spiral to enhance web stability and effectively prevent damage expansion. Furthermore, the non-sticky spiral plays an important role in localized web repair by replicating the original web's loop patterns to restore damaged areas. These findings suggest that the non-sticky spiral stabilizes the wide intervals between radii in the lower hub region, providing enhanced resistance to external forces and repairing structural damages. The results also demonstrate the evolutionary significance of utilizing non-sticky spiral as a permanent component, facilitating the construction and maintenance of large, densely structured orb webs.


Lee, S., & Moon, M. (2025). Junctional microstructure of the non-sticky spiral scaffold in the golden orb web spider, Trichonephila clavata. Applied Microscopy, 55(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42649-025-00114-6