In Memoriam: Arthur (Art) Decae and His Contributions to Arachnology

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  Image Credit:  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arthur-Decae  In Memoriam: Arthur (Art) Decae and His Contributions to Arachnology The arachnological community has received the sad news of the passing of Arthur (Art) Decae of the Netherlands, a long-standing member of the International Society of Arachnology (ISA) and the European Society of Arachnology (ESA). Arthur was a respected authority on mygalomorph spiders, particularly those of Europe and the Mediterranean region. His research contributed significantly to the taxonomy, diversity, distribution, and natural history of these often poorly known spiders. In announcing his passing on behalf of the ISA, Jason Dunlop extended condolences to Arthur's family, friends, and colleagues. Marco Isaia, who remained in contact with Arthur during his final year, also shared a message that Arthur had specifically asked to be passed on to the arachnological community: “I would appreciate it if you tell our spider friends and ...

Exploring Spiders Without Venom as New Sources of Peptidase Inhibitors

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Exploring Spiders Without Venom as New Sources of Peptidase Inhibitors

Abstract

Peptidases constitute at least 2% of genes in living organisms and participate in nearly all physiological processes across life forms. Conversely, peptidase inhibitors are essential for regulating proteolytic activity and have been widely applied. Combining high-throughput sequencing of novel peptidase inhibitor sources with molecular modeling and drug design currently represents an efficient strategy for developing new molecules. Venomous spiders harbor a wide array of peptidase inhibitors in both their venom and digestive system. However, biochemical and transcriptomic investigations of non-venomous spiders (Uloboridae) remain recent and scarce. Here, transcriptomic and biochemical analyses of the Uloboridae spider Zosis geniculata’s digestive midgut diverticula (MD) revealed that this species exhibited a digestive enzyme profile similar to that of other spiders. Furthermore, the MD transcriptome identified 19 peptidase inhibitors belonging to six inhibitor families. Serine peptidase inhibitors were the most abundant and diverse, while metallopeptidases represented the main proteolytic enzymes, suggesting that these inhibitors may have evolved to counteract prey-derived peptidases. Inhibitory assays using trypsin from potential insect prey confirmed this activity. The diversity and abundance of these molecules highlight Uloboridae spiders as promising novel sources of proteolytic inhibitors.

Silva, J.O.; Silva, A.C.O.; Valladão, R.; Neto, O.B.; de Souza, V.C.; Ferreira, C.; Terra, W.R.; Lopes, A.R. Exploring Spiders Without Venom as New Sources of Peptidase Inhibitors. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27, 186. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010186