The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Indian lone commercial antivenom against Indian red scorpion venom demonstrates limited immunorecognition and partial neutralisation of enzymatic, pharmacological, and some toxic effects of Heterometrus bengalensis (Indian black scorpion) venom proteins in vitro and in vivo

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Indian lone commercial antivenom against Indian red scorpion venom demonstrates limited immunorecognition and partial neutralisation of enzymatic, pharmacological, and some toxic effects of Heterometrus bengalensis (Indian black scorpion) venom proteins in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation remains a significant yet under-addressed public health issue in India. Heterometrus bengalensis (HB), a medically important scorpion, can induce clinically relevant local and systemic toxicity. However, limited research has evaluated the immunological recognition and neutralisation efficacy of existing commercial anti-scorpion antivenoms (ASV) against HB venom (HBV). This study evaluated the immunological cross-reactivity and neutralisation potential of a commercial ASV against HBV using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Immunochemical assays (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting) demonstrated partial immunoreactivity toward HBV proteins in the range of ~75–37 kDa, but exhibited poor recognition of low-molecular-mass proteins (<20 kDa). ASV showed feeble neutralisation of HBV enzymatic activities, HBV toxicity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Caenorhabditis elegans. ASV also showed poor protective efficacy against HBV-induced local and systemic toxicity in Swiss albino mice. ASV also failed to attenuate the HBV-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in mice. Therefore, this study highlights insufficient immunological coverage and underscores the need for species-specific antivenoms. The findings provide crucial insights for enhancing therapeutic interventions for scorpion envenomation in India.
Nath, S., & Mukherjee, A. K. (2026). Indian lone commercial antivenom against Indian red scorpion venom demonstrates limited immunorecognition and partial neutralisation of enzymatic, pharmacological, and some toxic effects of Heterometrus bengalensis (Indian black scorpion) venom proteins in vitro and in vivo. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 151679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151679