Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of the Widely Distributed CAP Superfamily in Spider Venom.

ABSTRACT: Venom plays a crucial role in the defense and predation of venomous animals. Spiders (Araneae) are among the most successful predators and have a fascinating venom composition. Their venom mainly contains disulfide-rich peptides and large proteins. Here, we analyzed spider venom protein families, utilizing transcriptomic and genomic data, and highlighted their similarities and differences. We show that spiders have specific combinations of toxins for better predation and defense, typically comprising a core toxin expressed alongside several auxiliary toxins. Among them, the CAP superfamily is widely distributed and highly expressed in web-building Araneoidea spiders. Our analysis of evolutionary relationships revealed four subfamilies (subA-subD) of the CAP superfamily that differ in struc

SUBMITTER: Jiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11209345 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature