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...

On Some Rare Mygalomorph from Ecuador, with the Description of 16 New Species in Five Families (Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae, Barychelidae, Halonoproctidae, Idiopidae, and Theraphosidae)

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On Some Rare Mygalomorph from Ecuador, with the Description of 16 New Species in Five Families (Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae, Barychelidae, Halonoproctidae, Idiopidae, and Theraphosidae)

Abstract

This study on Mygalomorphs from Ecuador revealed an amazing unknown diversity, including the first record of the families Actinopodidae and Halonoproctidae. Here, 16 new species and one new genus are described in five families: in Actinopodidae, Actinopus saraguro n. sp. (♀); in Barychelidae, Paracenobiopelma vesca n. sp. (♀), Strophaeus pacificanus n. sp. (♀), S. real n. sp. (♀), S. elongata n. sp. (♂♀), S. josefita n. sp. (♂♀), S. peronii n. sp. (♂♀), S. kaiae n. sp. (♀), S. subterraneus n. sp. (♂), S. spiculum n. sp. (♂), and S. kawsay n. sp. (♀); in Halonoproctidae, Ummidia pupulae n. sp. (♂); in Idiopidae, Idiops clepsydra n. sp. (♀); and in Theraphosidae, Pululahua gen. n., Pululahua kunukyaku gen. n., n. sp. (♂♀), and Pululahua winku gen. n., n. sp. (♂♀); and Thalerommata yasuni n. sp. (♂). Furthermore, images of the type specimens of Actinopus nattereri (Doleschall, 1871) and Actinopus piceus (Ausserer, 1871) are presented. Finally, the synonymy of Idiops fulvipes under Idiops argus is rejected.

Dupérré, N., & Tapia, E. (2025). On Some Rare Mygalomorph from Ecuador, with the Description of 16 New Species in Five Families (Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae, Barychelidae, Halonoproctidae, Idiopidae, and Theraphosidae). Taxonomy, 5(3), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030035