Beyond Venom and Constriction: Bite Performance and Trophic Ecology in the Genus Drymarchon

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  Beyond Venom and Constriction: Bite Performance and Trophic Ecology in the Genus Drymarchon Abstract Snakes exhibit extreme cranial kinesis that facilitates ingestion of prey with large cross-sectional area, but this ability is widely predicted to reduce bite performance due to decreased structural rigidity. Consequently, most large-bodied snakes rely on envenomation or constriction to subdue prey prior to ingestion. Species within the genus Drymarchon represent a notable exception: these large, non-venomous, non-constricting snakes routinely consume a wide range of prey, including large and potentially dangerous vertebrates, using only simple seizing and pinioning behaviors. Here, we quantify bite performance in three species of Drymarchon ( D. corais, D. couperi, and D. melanurus ), examine morphological predictors of biting performance, compare biting pressure to constriction pressure in similarly sized snakes, and synthesize dietary records across the genus. Our results sh...

Bungarus multicinctus venom induces pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in BV2 cells

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By Yung-Lun Lin - https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/339509447, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181835911

Bungarus multicinctus venom induces pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in BV2 cells

Abstract

Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory programmed cell death linked to inflammation. While animal venoms can trigger pyroptosis, it remains unknown whether the venom of the neurotoxic snake Bungarus multicinctus (BM) can induce pyroptosis in microglia. This study aimed to investigate this process in mouse BV2 microglia. We exposed cells to BM venom and assessed viability, pyroptosis markers, and inflammation. To further verify this, we added the pyroptosis inhibitor disulfiram (5 μmol/L) to the experimental system. Subsequent assays revealed that exposure to BM venom led to a dose‑dependent suppression of cellular viability. Concurrently, this venom treatment upregulated the levels of pyroptosis‑associated proteins, namely NLRP3, GSDMD‑N, and Caspase‑1 p20. Moreover, it elevated the mRNA transcripts of IL‑1β, TNF‑α, and IL‑6, while also stimulating the secretion of both IL‑1β and IL‑18. The venom also enhanced propidium iodide uptake, indicating membrane damage. These pyroptotic and inflammatory effects were attenuated by antivenom and the pyroptosis inhibitor disulfiram. In conclusion, BM venom induces pyroptosis and neuroinflammation in microglia.

Luo, M., Wang, ZR., Tan, XL. et al. Bungarus multicinctus venom induces pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in BV2 cells. Cell Biol Toxicol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10565-026-10240-w