Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae)

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  Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae) Abstract Trechaleidae is a family of spiders often recognized by its semiaquatic species, but its diversity extends beyond these well-known examples. In this study, we describe Troglotrechalea gen. nov. , a new genus with two novel species, T. faleroae spec. nov. and T. agorai spec. nov. , found exclusively in subterranean habitats within karst formations in central and southeastern Brazil. Both species exhibit pale coloration, but unmodified eyes and legs if compared to other species in the family. The slight degree of troglomorphism, along with their geographic and habitat records, suggests that these species are restricted to hypogean habitats, although they probably move through epigean habitats. Additionally, we report in detail the occurrence of the trechaleid genera Enna O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897, Heidrunea Brescovi...

Hemostasis-Modulating Proteins from Indian Elapid and Viper Snake Venom: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities

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Hemostasis-Modulating Proteins from Indian Elapid and Viper Snake Venom: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities

Abstract

Snake venom is a complex cocktail of biologically active proteins and peptides with highly specific physiological activities, yet its therapeutic potential remains largely unexplored. India is home to several snake species, including vipers and elapids. Though viper venom is predominantly associated with hemostatic manifestations, several elapids can also disrupt hemostasis and cause venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. Snake venom protein families, including snake venom metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, disintegrins, snaclecs, L-amino acid oxidases, nucleotidases, and three-finger toxins, are involved in modulating the hemostatic system. In this review, we compile the available information on hemostasis-altering proteins from Indian elapids and vipers that have specific impacts on platelet aggregation and intrinsic, extrinsic, and common coagulation pathways. The molecular mechanisms of venom proteins in coagulation and platelet aggregation pathways are briefly discussed in relation to their functional consequences. Further, some of the venom proteins that are considered potential therapeutic leads targeting thrombotic disorders based on their mechanistic similarity with existing venom-derived and FDA-approved drugs are discussed. Overall, this review is focused not only on the mechanism of action behind the hemostatic-intervening proteins but also on their efficiency to develop novel therapeutics to treat thrombotic disorders.

Kiruthika, S., Sanju, A. V., Hussain, S. B., Nair, B. G., & Vanuopadath, M. (2026). Hemostasis-Modulating Proteins from Indian Elapid and Viper Snake Venom: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities. Life, 16(10), 1615. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16101615