scholarly journals Transcriptomic Analysis of the Spider Venom Gland Reveals Venom Diversity and Species Consanguinity

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaotun Hu ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
Zhen Xiao ◽  
Xi Zhou ◽  
Zhonghua Liu
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Venom Gland ◽  
Transcriptomic Analysis ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Channel Modulation ◽  
Blast Search ◽  
Peptide Toxins ◽  
And Function ◽  
A New Species

Selenocosmia jiafu (S. jiafu) has been recently identified as a new species of spider in China. It lives in the same habitat as various other venomous spiders, including Chilobrachys jingzhao (C. jingzhao), Selenocosmia huwena (S. huwena), and Macrothele raveni (M. raveni). The venom from these different species of spiders exhibits some similarities and some differences in terms of their biochemical and electrophysiological properties. With the objective to illustrate the diversity in venom peptide toxins and to establish the evolutionary relationship between different spider species, we first performed transcriptomic analysis on a cDNA library from the venom gland of S. jiafu. We identified 146 novel toxin-like sequences, which were classified into eighteen different superfamilies. This transcriptome was then compared with that of C. jingzhao, which revealed that the putative toxins from both spider venoms may have originated from the same ancestor, although novel toxins evolved independently in the two species. A BLAST search and pharmacological analysis revealed that the two venoms have similar sodium channel modulation activity. This study provides insights into the venom of two closely related species of spider, which will prove useful towards understanding the structure and function of their toxins.

A New Species of Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia (Myrtaceae, Myrteae) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-543
Author(s):  
Karinne Sampaio Valdemarin ◽  
Jair Eustáquio Quintino Faria ◽  
Fiorella Fernanda Mazine ◽  
Vinicius Castro Souza
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Flower Buds ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
A New Species

Abstract—A new species of Eugenia from the Atlantic forest of Brazil is described and illustrated. Eugenia flavicarpa is restricted to the Floresta de Tabuleiro (lowland forests) of Espírito Santo state and is nested in Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia. Considering all other species of the subgenus that occur in forest vegetation types of the Atlantic forest phytogeographic domain, Eugenia flavicarpa can be distinguished mainly by the combination of smooth leaves with indumentum on both surfaces, with two marginal veins, usually ramiflorous inflorescences, pedicels 4.5‐9.7 mm long, flower buds 3.5‐4 mm in diameter, and by the calyx lobes that are 2‐3 mm long with rounded to obtuse apices. Morphological analyses were performed to explore the significance of quantitative diagnostic features between the new species and the closely related species, Eugenia farneyi. Notes on the habitat, distribution, phenology, and conservation status of Eugenia flavicarpa are provided, as well as a key for all species of Eugenia subg. Pseudeugenia from forest vegetation of the Atlantic forest phytogeographic domain.

scholarly journals Analysis of High Molecular Mass Compounds from the Spider Pamphobeteus verdolaga Venom Gland. A Transcriptomic and MS ID Approach

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Sebastian Estrada-Gómez ◽  
Leidy Johana Vargas-Muñoz ◽  
Cesar Segura Latorre ◽  
Monica Maria Saldarriaga-Cordoba ◽  
Claudia Marcela Arenas-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Venom Gland ◽  
Duplication Event ◽  
High Molecular Mass ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Secretory Proteins ◽  
Phospholipases A2 ◽  
Kunitz Type

Nowadays, spider venom research focuses on the neurotoxic activity of small peptides. In this study, we investigated high-molecular-mass compounds that have either enzymatic activity or housekeeping functions present in either the venom gland or venom of Pamphobeteus verdolaga. We used proteomic and transcriptomic-assisted approaches to recognize the proteins sequences related to high-molecular-mass compounds present in either venom gland or venom. We report the amino acid sequences (partial or complete) of 45 high-molecular-mass compounds detected by transcriptomics showing similarity to other proteins with either enzymatic activity (i.e., phospholipases A2, kunitz-type, hyaluronidases, and sphingomyelinase D) or housekeeping functions involved in the signaling process, glucanotransferase function, and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. MS/MS analysis showed fragments exhibiting a resemblance similarity with different sequences detected by transcriptomics corresponding to sphingomyelinase D, hyaluronidase, lycotoxins, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, and kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, among others. Additionally, we report a probably new protein sequence corresponding to the lycotoxin family detected by transcriptomics. The phylogeny analysis suggested that P. verdolaga includes a basal protein that underwent a duplication event that gave origin to the lycotoxin proteins reported for Lycosa sp. This approach allows proposing an evolutionary relationship of high-molecular-mass proteins among P. verdolaga and other spider species.

scholarly journals Snails In Silico: A Review of Computational Studies on the Conopeptides

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Mansbach ◽  
Timothy Travers ◽  
Benjamin McMahon ◽  
Jeanne Fair ◽  
S. Gnanakaran
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Peptide Toxins ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
And Function

Marine cone snails are carnivorous gastropods that use peptide toxins called conopeptides both as a defense mechanism and as a means to immobilize and kill their prey. These peptide toxins exhibit a large chemical diversity that enables exquisite specificity and potency for target receptor proteins. This diversity arises in terms of variations both in amino acid sequence and length, and in posttranslational modifications, particularly the formation of multiple disulfide linkages. Most of the functionally characterized conopeptides target ion channels of animal nervous systems, which has led to research on their therapeutic applications. Many facets of the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the specificity and virulence of conopeptides, however, remain poorly understood. In this review, we will explore the chemical diversity of conopeptides from a computational perspective. First, we discuss current approaches used for classifying conopeptides. Next, we review different computational strategies that have been applied to understanding and predicting their structure and function, from machine learning techniques for predictive classification to docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations for molecular-level understanding. We then review recent novel computational approaches for rapid high-throughput screening and chemical design of conopeptides for particular applications. We close with an assessment of the state of the field, emphasizing important questions for future lines of inquiry.

scholarly journals Molecular biology approaches in bioadhesion research

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 983-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Rodrigues ◽  
Birgit Lengerer ◽  
Thomas Ostermann ◽  
Peter Ladurner
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Molecular Approach ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Blast Search ◽  
Search Facility ◽  
New Research ◽  
And Function ◽  
Functional Analyses

The use of molecular biology tools in the field of bioadhesion is still in its infancy. For new research groups who are considering taking a molecular approach, the techniques presented here are essential to unravelling the sequence of a gene, its expression and its biological function. Here we provide an outline for addressing adhesion-related genes in diverse organisms. We show how to gradually narrow down the number of candidate transcripts that are involved in adhesion by (1) generating a transcriptome and a differentially expressed cDNA list enriched for adhesion-related transcripts, (2) setting up a BLAST search facility, (3) perform an in situ hybridization screen, and (4) functional analyses of selected genes by using RNA interference knock-down. Furthermore, latest developments in genome-editing are presented as new tools to study gene function. By using this iterative multi-technologies approach, the identification, isolation, expression and function of adhesion-related genes can be studied in most organisms. These tools will improve our understanding of the diversity of molecules used for adhesion in different organisms and these findings will help to develop innovative bio-inspired adhesives.

Salicornia cuscoensis (Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae), a new species from Peru (South America)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 319 (3) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. ÁNGELES ALONSO ◽  
MANUEL B. CRESPO ◽  
HELMUT FREITAG
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
South America ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Tierra Del Fuego ◽  
South American ◽  
Habitat Distribution ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Molecular Analyses ◽  
Southern Patagonia ◽  
A New Species

The name Salicornia cuscoensis given to a plant from high Andean saltmarshes near Cusco [Cuzco] and Ayacucho, Peru (South America) is validated by a diagnosis and description. The main morphological characters that separate S. cuscoensis from other closely related species are creeping habit, delicate branches, inflorescence of short and thin spikes, and seed indumentum. The new species clearly differs from other perennial Salicornia taxa growing in high Andean saltmarshes such as S. pulvinata and S. andina. The former forms small compact cushions producing very short, few-flowered inflorescences. The latter shows woody stems and forms larger rounded carpets. Morphologically, S. cuscoensis is also similar to S. magellanica, a species growing along the seashore in southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, but the latter has shorter and wider inflorescences and larger seeds with a different type and arrangement of indumentum. Molecular analyses also supported the separation of S. cuscoensis. Data on habitat, distribution and phylogenetic relationships are presented for the new species and its relatives, and an identification key is given for the South American taxa of the genus Salicornia.

scholarly journals How Can Satellite DNA Divergence Cause Reproductive Isolation? Let Us Count the Chromosomal Ways

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Ferree ◽  
Satyaki Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Heterochromatin Formation ◽  
Interspecies Hybrids ◽  
Postzygotic Reproductive Isolation ◽  
And Function

Satellites are one of the most enigmatic parts of the eukaryotic genome. These highly repetitive, noncoding sequences make up as much as half or more of the genomic content and are known to play essential roles in chromosome segregation during meiosis and mitosis, yet they evolve rapidly between closely related species. Research over the last several decades has revealed that satellite divergence can serve as a formidable reproductive barrier between sibling species. Here we highlight several key studies on Drosophila and other model organisms demonstrating deleterious effects of satellites and their rapid evolution on the structure and function of chromosomes in interspecies hybrids. These studies demonstrate that satellites can impact chromosomes at a number of different developmental stages and through distinct cellular mechanisms, including heterochromatin formation. These findings have important implications for how loci that cause postzygotic reproductive isolation are viewed.

Trogia benghalensis (Marasmiaceae, Basidiomycota), a new species from India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 331 (2) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
ARUN KUMAR DUTTA ◽  
SUDESHNA NANDI ◽  
ENTAJ TARAFDER ◽  
RIMPA SIKDER ◽  
ANIRBAN ROY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer Region ◽  
Comprehensive Description ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Molecular Sequence ◽  
Region Data ◽  
A New Species

A new species of Trogia (Marasmiaceae, Basidiomycota) is described from West Bengal, India. Analysis of the molecular sequence (nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region) data suggests that T. benghalesis is phylogenetically distinct from its closely related species. Comprehensive description based on macro- and microscopic characters, photographs and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are provided.

A New Orchid Species of Dendrobium Sect. Calcarifera from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia (Orchidaceae: Dendrobiinae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 383 (2) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
EDWARD ENTALAI BESI ◽  
DOME NIKONG ◽  
MUSKHAZLI MUSTAFA ◽  
RUSEA GO
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Orchid Species ◽  
Summit Region ◽  
A New Species

Dendrobium mizanii, a new species to science belonging to Dendrobium Sect. Calcarifera was discovered in a summit region of a disturbed montane forest in Setiu, Terengganu, and named after His Majesty Sultan of Terengganu, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. A description, illustration, field and comparison with the closely related species D. crocatum from Peninsular Malaysia and D. doloissumbinii from Borneo are provided here.

scholarly journals Inter-species comparison of the orientation algorithm directing larval chemotaxis in the genus Drosophila

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elie Fink ◽  
Matthieu Louis
Keyword(s):  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Olfactory Behavior ◽  
Species Comparison ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Peripheral Olfactory System ◽  
And Function

Animals differ in their appearances and behaviors. While many genetic studies have addressed the origins of phenotypic differences between fly species, we are still lacking a quantitative assessment of the variability in the way different fly species behave. We tackled this question in one of the most robust behaviors displayed by Drosophila: chemotaxis. At the larval stage, Drosophila melanogaster navigate odor gradients by combining four sensorimotor routines in a multilayered algorithm: a modulation of the overall locomotor speed and turn rate; a bias in turning during down-gradient motion; a bias in turning toward the gradient; the local curl of trajectories toward the gradient ("weathervaning"). Using high-resolution tracking and behavioral quantification, we characterized the olfactory behavior of eight closely related species of the Drosophila group in response to 19 ecologically-relevant odors. Significant changes are observed in the receptive field of each species, which is consistent with the rapid evolution of the peripheral olfactory system. Our results reveal substantial inter-species variability in the algorithms directing larval chemotaxis. While the basic sensorimotor routines are shared, their parametric arrangements can vary dramatically across species. The present analysis sets the stage for deciphering the evolutionary relationships between the structure and function of neural circuits directing orientation behaviors in Drosophila.

On a new species of the Genus Spinicauda, Travassos (1920) (Nematoda: Heterakidae) in Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Anura: Bufonidae ) from Industrial area of Aurangabad (Maharashtra) India

2021 ◽  
pp. 208-212
Author(s):  
Sujeet Jamdar
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Related Species ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Duttaphrynus Melanostictus ◽  
A New Species

Spinicauda anurae sp. nov. from the intestine of Duttaphrynus melanostictus [21] collected from industrial area of Aurangabad (M.S.) India. The specimens under investigation show the resemblance in their various body characters with S. cophotis Baylis, [7]. Morphologically the most closely related species is S. voltaensis [2] in Bufo sp. from Burkina Faso, but it differs in smooth cuticle and is less sclerotized.

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