Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species

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  Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species Abstract This study compared venom composition, enzymatic activities, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates from three Bothrops clades. Results suggest potential clade-specific markers in electrophoretic profiles and phospholipase-A 2 and L-amino acid oxidase enzymatic activities. These findings suggest that neonate venom traits may serve as auxiliary parameters for taxonomic differentiation, though further research is needed to account for individual and sexual variability. De Souza, D. C., De Lima, E. O. V., Da Silveira, G. P. M., & Tanaka-Azevedo, A. M. (2026). Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species. Toxicon , 109251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109251

Scorpion Venom as a Source of Cancer Drugs: A Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis and Therapeutic Potential

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Scorpion Venom as a Source of Cancer Drugs: A Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

Scorpion venom is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant potential for anticancer drug development. Its diverse molecular composition, including neurotoxins, antimicrobial peptides, and enzymes, provides a vast library for therapeutic innovation. Proteomic analyses have characterized venom composition in several species, while further functional assays have clarified their anticancer mechanisms. This review synthesizes current knowledge on scorpion venom-derived peptides with demonstrated anticancer activity, which selectively target ion channels, induce apoptosis, or disrupt tumor microenvironments. Where available, we highlight proteomic studies that have identified these components and discuss their structural features relevant to drug design. We also examine clinical applications and the challenges in translating venom peptides into therapies. The crucial and growing role of proteomics in this field, particularly for venom fractionation, component identification, and structural characterization, is critically evaluated.