Dynamic genetic differentiation drives the widespread structural and functional convergent evolution of snake venom proteinaceous toxins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The explosive radiation and diversification of the advanced snakes (superfamily Colubroidea) was associated with changes in all aspects of the shared venom system. Morphological changes included the partitioning of the mixed ancestral glands into two discrete glands devoted for production of venom or mucous respectively, as well as changes in the location, size and structural elements of the venom-delivering teeth. Evidence also exists for homology among venom gland toxins expressed across the advanced snakes. However, despite the evolutionary novelty of snake venoms, in-depth toxin molecular evolutionary history reconstructions have been mostly limited to those types present in only two front-fanged snake families, Elapidae and Viperidae. To have a broader understanding

SUBMITTER: Xie B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8742412 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature