Significant Serpents: Predictive Modelling of Bioclimatic Venom Variation in Russell's Viper.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is the clinically most important snake species in the world. Considerable variation has been documented in D. russelii venoms across the Indian subcontinent, which can drive the diverse envenomation profiles in snakebite victims. Therefore, understanding the role of ecological and environmental factors influencing the compositional and functional variation can provide critical insights into the complex evolutionary adaptations of this species and pave the way for the development of targeted therapies.

Methods

We examined the influence of bioclimatic factors on D. russelii venom functions by analysing 115 samples sourced from various locations across India. The enzymatic activities of major toxins, such as proteases and phospholipa

SUBMITTER: Sarangi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11984747 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature