Replacement and Parallel Simplification of Nonhomologous Proteinases Maintain Venom Phenotypes in Rear-Fanged Snakes.

ABSTRACT: Novel phenotypes are commonly associated with gene duplications and neofunctionalization, less documented are the cases of phenotypic maintenance through the recruitment of novel genes. Proteolysis is the primary toxic character of many snake venoms, and ADAM metalloproteinases, named snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), are largely recognized as the major effectors of this phenotype. However, by investigating original transcriptomes from 58 species of advanced snakes (Caenophidia) across their phylogeny, we discovered that a different enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), is actually the dominant venom component in three tribes (Tachymenini, Xenodontini, and Conophiini) of rear-fanged snakes (Dipsadidae). Proteomic and functional analyses of these venoms further indicate that MMPs ar

SUBMITTER: Bayona-Serrano JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8525196 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature