Beyond Venom and Constriction: Bite Performance and Trophic Ecology in the Genus Drymarchon

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  Beyond Venom and Constriction: Bite Performance and Trophic Ecology in the Genus Drymarchon Abstract Snakes exhibit extreme cranial kinesis that facilitates ingestion of prey with large cross-sectional area, but this ability is widely predicted to reduce bite performance due to decreased structural rigidity. Consequently, most large-bodied snakes rely on envenomation or constriction to subdue prey prior to ingestion. Species within the genus Drymarchon represent a notable exception: these large, non-venomous, non-constricting snakes routinely consume a wide range of prey, including large and potentially dangerous vertebrates, using only simple seizing and pinioning behaviors. Here, we quantify bite performance in three species of Drymarchon ( D. corais, D. couperi, and D. melanurus ), examine morphological predictors of biting performance, compare biting pressure to constriction pressure in similarly sized snakes, and synthesize dietary records across the genus. Our results sh...

Scorpion Venom Gland Transcriptomics: A Systematic Review

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Scorpion Venom Gland Transcriptomics: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Scorpion venom is a complex biochemical arsenal with significant ecological and biomedical importance. Advances in transcriptomic techniques have provided valuable insights into the composition and functional diversity of venoms. This systematic review analyzes transcriptomic research conducted between 2010 and 2024, focusing on methodologies such as Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). 42 studies from four databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were selected, showcasing their impact on detecting venom-related transcripts. The classification of venom components revealed a diverse range of bioactive molecules, including ion channel toxins, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and uncharacterized components with potential therapeutic applications. The findings emphasize the importance of multi-omic approaches in elucidating venom complexity and the potential applications of novel components in pharmacology and biotechnology. However, significant challenges remain, including the need for standardization and expanded research on underrepresented taxa. This review highlights the necessity for interdisciplinary efforts to bridge these gaps and fully harness the potential of scorpion venom studies.
Solano-Godoy, J. A., Betancourt-Osorio, M., Orjuela-Rodriguez, M., Guerrero-Vargas, J. A., & Sepulveda-Arias, J. C. (2025). Scorpion Venom Gland Transcriptomics: A Systematic Review. Toxicon, 108563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108563