Species diversity in the segmented spider genus Songthela (Mesothelae, Liphistiidae), with descriptions of 12 new species from Guizhou Province, China

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  Species diversity in the segmented spider genus Songthela (Mesothelae, Liphistiidae), with descriptions of 12 new species from Guizhou Province, China Abstract Twelve new species of the primitively segmented spider genus Songthela Ono, 2000, from Guizhou Province, China, are described based on the genital morphology of both sexes: S. chenjiapian sp. nov . (♂♀), S. cuantang sp. nov . (♂♀), S. fengxiang sp. nov . (♂♀), S. fuyan sp. nov . (♂♀), S. nanqiao sp. nov . (♂♀), S. parallela sp. nov . (♂♀), S. qingganglin sp. nov . (♂♀), S. tianba sp. nov . (♂♀), S. tudiao sp. nov . (♂♀), S. yanhe sp. nov . (♂♀), S. yinchiba sp. nov . (♂♀), and S. yuhu sp. nov . (♂♀). All new species are assigned to the multidentata -group based on the morphology of the male palp and female genitalia. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map are provided. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI ) sequences are also provided for the holotypes ...

Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments

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Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments

Abstract

Snake venom has developed over millions of years as a tool for capturing prey and defending against predators and other threats. Snake venom contains diverse proteins and peptides, which elicit a range of pathophysiological abnormalities including cytotoxic, neurotoxic, myotoxic, hemolytic and inflammatory effects in the victim, and cause severe morbidity. Although these venom proteins have significant pharmacological potential, many remain insufficiently explored for therapeutic applications. Therefore, this article critically reviews the attributes of selected toxic proteins, which make them suitable drugs for the well-being of mankind. Although these toxins have serious adverse effects on human health, research has shown that they can be modified to exhibit beneficial properties and serve as potential treatments for various diseases. In addition to being a model protein for drug development, the similarity in sequence and structure indicates that these toxic proteins can be used in protein replacement therapy to combat several human diseases. The article also addresses the challenges faced during the entire process, starting from the initial phase of choosing venom proteins to drug formulation. While nanotechnology-based formulations of snake venom-derived drugs exhibit promise across diverse therapeutic domains, additional research and development efforts on the different variants of these proteins are essential to fully unlock their clinical advantages and enhance their efficacy for disease treatment.

Citation: Singh P, Jayaraman G. Harnessing Snake Venom for Therapeutics: A Path from Toxins to Treatments. J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2025;19(4):2495-2522. doi: 10.22207/JPAM.19.4.01