Proteins from shrews' venom glands play a role in gland functioning and venom production.

ABSTRACT: Venom production has evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom, although it is rare among mammals. Venomous shrews produce venom in their submandibular salivary glands and use it for food acquisition. Only a few toxins have been identified in shrew venoms thus far, and their modes of action require investigation. The biological and molecular processes relating to venom production and gland functioning also remain unknown. To address this gap, we investigated protein content in extracts from venom glands of two shrew species, Neomys fodiens and Sorex araneus, and interpreted their biological functions. Applying a proteomic approach coupled with Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, we identified 313 and 187 putative proteins in venom glands of N. fodiens and S. araneus, respective

SUBMITTER: Kowalski K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11251227 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature