Proteomic characterization of Tityus championi venom and recombinant expression of its major neurotoxin

  Proteomic characterization of Tityus championi venom and recombinant expression of its major neurotoxin Abstract Background:   Tityus championi is a species endemic to the southern Talamanca Mountain Range, along the border region between Costa Rica and Panama, and has been associated with severe clinical cases. Despite its medical relevance, the composition of its venom remains poorly studied. The present study aimed to characterize the proteomic composition of T. championi venom, identify its main toxin families, and recombinantly produce one of its most abundant and lethal toxins for potential use in antivenom development. Methods:   Venom composition was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), enabling the identification of venom proteins. Subsequently, one of its primary lethal toxins (Tcham27) was identified and recombinantly expressed. Results:   Proteomic analysis revealed that the most abundant family in the venom corresponded to metalloproteases, ...

Two new species of Uroplectes Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Somaliland and Mozambique

 


Two new species of Uroplectes Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Somaliland and Mozambique

Abstract


Two new species, Uroplectes elmii sp. n. from Somaliland and U. mossambicensis sp. n. from Mozambique are described, fully illustrated with color photos showing their morphology. Both species are similar to Uroplectes fischeri (Karsch, 1879) from which they differ mainly in finger dentition (Uroplectes elmii sp. n.) and strongly reduced tibial spurs on legs III–IV (U. mossambicensis sp. n.). Uroplectes elmii sp. n. is also compared with U. pardii Kovařík, 2003, from which it differs mainly by extremely reduced to absent metasomal punctation. A distribution map of all discussed species is included.

Kovařík, F. 2025 . Two new species of Uroplectes Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Somaliland and Mozambique. Euscorpius, No. 426: 1-18. https://mds.marshall.edu/euscorpius/vol2025/iss426/1/