Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal

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  Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal Abstract Biodiversity surveys are critical to prevent decline and extinction of ill-/unknown species through timely conservation action. This is particularly relevant when the species are neither iconic nor flagships, therefore lessening the potential for accessing conservation means, such as in the case of the mygalomorph spider Macrothele calpeiana. The species is endemic to southern Iberia but its distribution and ecology is barely documented in Portugal. Therefore, we made a comprehensive survey throughout its estimated range in the south of the country. The species is spread unevenly and patchily throughout low mountainous terrain in south/southwest Portugal, preferably along shale/ greywacke/clay roadside banks. It seems rare in the surrounding limestone area to the south and absent from the peneplain to the north. The webs were found in groups averaging 10.0±15.2 webs/site a...

Snake Venom Three-Finger Neurotoxins and Neurotoxin-Like Proteins: Insights Into Their Structural and Functional Aspects Along With Their Pharmacological Potential

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Snake Venom Three-Finger Neurotoxins and Neurotoxin-Like Proteins: Insights Into Their Structural and Functional Aspects Along With Their Pharmacological Potential

ABSTRACT

The three-finger neurotoxins interfere with cholinergic transmission at various postsynaptic sites in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Based on receptor selectivity, the neurotoxins can be broadly classified as α-neurotoxins, k-neurotoxins and muscarinic toxins. The three-finger neurotoxins are nonenzymatic and possess a conserved structural feature consisting of loops of β-stranded loops protruding from a globular hydrophobic core held together by conserved disulfide bonds. The snake venom neurotoxins were first reported approximately 60 years ago, and their discovery has since expanded our knowledge of membrane receptors and ion channels. The interactions of these neurotoxins with receptors are of special interest for their potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, pain and cancer. This review focuses on the snake venom neurotoxins and neurotoxin-like proteins and their subtypes, structural aspects of their mechanisms of action and specificity for receptors or ligand-binding interfaces. Further, a detailed discussion is added on the pharmacological potential of these toxins for use as probes or potential targets in drug discovery.

Choudhury, M., & Das, M. (2025). Snake Venom Three-Finger Neurotoxins and Neurotoxin-Like Proteins: Insights Into Their Structural and Functional Aspects Along With Their Pharmacological Potential. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 137(6), e70144. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.70144