An ancient, conserved gene regulatory network led to the rise of oral venom systems.

ABSTRACT: Oral venom systems evolved multiple times in numerous vertebrates enabling the exploitation of unique predatory niches. Yet how and when they evolved remains poorly understood. Up to now, most research on venom evolution has focused strictly on the toxins. However, using toxins present in modern day animals to trace the origin of the venom system is difficult, since they tend to evolve rapidly, show complex patterns of expression, and were incorporated into the venom arsenal relatively recently. Here we focus on gene regulatory networks associated with the production of toxins in snakes, rather than the toxins themselves. We found that overall venom gland gene expression was surprisingly well conserved when compared to salivary glands of other amniotes. We characterized the "metavenom netw

SUBMITTER: Barua A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8040605 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature