Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Diverse Expression of Scorpion Toxin Genes in <i>Mesobuthus martensii</i>.

ABSTRACT: Scorpions, an ancient group of venomous invertebrates, have existed for over 430 million years. Their toxins, important for predation and defense, exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. Research on scorpion toxins has spanned decades. Notably, the toxin genes of Mesobuthus martensii (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, have been described at genomic and proteomic levels. However, previous studies primarily focused on the toxin genes expressed in the venom glands, overlooking their expression in multiple tissues. This study analyzed transcriptomes from 14 tissues of M. martensii. Gene annotation revealed 83 toxin and toxin-like genes, including those affecting sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ion channels. Approx

SUBMITTER: Yang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11435589 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature