The rise and diversification of spidroins in the deep-time evolution of spiders

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  The rise and diversification of spidroins in the deep-time evolution of spiders Summary The evolutionary success of spiders is often attributed to their stunning ability to produce and utilize silk, but the potential link between the molecular and phenotypic basis of silk production and spider diversification is seldom tested in a robust dated phylogenetic framework. Here, we provide a macroevolutionary context for testing hypotheses by reconstructing and dating the spider tree of life using genomic and transcriptomic data. We searched exhaustively for members of the spider silk protein (spidroin) gene family from omics data and identified them in an iterative phylogenetic pipeline. Four distinct new types of spidroins with atypical sequence characteristics are discovered to be widespread in true spiders with the potential to affect silk properties, as inferred by our phylogenetic generalized linear mixed model and phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses. Combining our ro...

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