Bioactive treasures in scorpion exuviae: anticancer insights from Hottentotta saulcyi extract fractions

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  Bioactive treasures in scorpion exuviae: anticancer insights from Hottentotta saulcyi extract fractions Abstract Despite significant improvements in cancer treatment, the development of therapeutic resistance remains a major cause of treatment failure. Therefore, the discovery of new anticancer agents is still necessary. Scorpions have a long history of use in traditional and specialized medicines, including anticancer applications, and have shown promise in modulating biological processes. They are of medical importance both globally and in the Kurdistan Region. However, there is still limited scientific evidence regarding their potential in cancer therapy. This study evaluated the natural organic compounds of whole-body scorpion extracts using GC–MS analysis and determined the in vitro cytotoxic effects of n-hexane (HO-Hex) and methanol (HO-Me) extracts against SW480, Calu-6, PC-3, HT29, AGS, and LNCaP cancer cell lines. The MTT assay was used to determine the effects of the ex...

Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

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Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

Abstract

Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findings from diverse taxa and technologies, including bulk RNA sequencing, long-read transcriptomics, and spatial or single-cell approaches, to highlight progress and gaps in current knowledge. A bibliometric analysis of 358 studies from 2002 to 2024 reveals significant growth in the field, with key contributions from institutions in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Despite this progress, transcriptomic research remains geographically and taxonomically biased, with challenges in toxin annotation, data standardization, and integrative multiomics still unresolved. We conclude by emphasizing the growing role of integration with other omics approaches, advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, and the emerging potential of computational modeling in reconstructing venom evolution.

Sofyantoro, Fajar, Kusuma, Wisnu Ananta, Wahyudi, Setyanto Tri, Lumbanraja, Favorisen Rosyking, Rahmawan, Hendra, Rustamaji, Heru Cahya, Kurniawan, Dhadhang Wahyu, Rastuti, Undri, Putri, Wahyu Aristyaning, Wibowo, Wiko Arif, Priyono, Dwi Sendi, Yudha, Donan Satria, Raharjo, Slamet, Nuringtyas, Tri Rini, Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation, Scientifica, 2026, 8813839, 17 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/8813839