Comparative venom gland transcriptome surveys of the saw-scaled vipers (Viperidae: Echis) reveal substantial intra-family gene diversity and novel venom transcripts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Venom variation occurs at all taxonomical levels and can impact significantly upon the clinical manifestations and efficacy of antivenom therapy following snakebite. Variation in snake venom composition is thought to be subject to strong natural selection as a result of adaptation towards specific diets. Members of the medically important genus Echis exhibit considerable variation in venom composition, which has been demonstrated to co-evolve with evolutionary shifts in diet. We adopt a venom gland transcriptome approach in order to investigate the diversity of toxins in the genus and elucidate the mechanisms which result in prey-specific adaptations of venom composition.

Results

Venom gland transcriptomes were created for E. pyramidum leakeyi, E. coloratus and E.

SUBMITTER: Casewell NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2790475 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature