| Literature DB >> 33479150 |
T D Kazandjian1, D Petras2,3, S D Robinson4,5, J van Thiel6, H W Greene7, K Arbuckle8, A Barlow9,10, D A Carter5, R M Wouters6, G Whiteley1, S C Wagstaff1,11, A S Arias12, L-O Albulescu1, A Plettenberg Laing10, C Hall10, A Heap10, S Penrhyn-Lowe10, C V McCabe13, S Ainsworth1, R R da Silva2,14, P C Dorrestein2, M K Richardson6, J M Gutiérrez12, J J Calvete15, R A Harrison1, I Vetter5,16, E A B Undheim4,5,17,18, W Wüster10, N R Casewell19.
Abstract
Convergent evolution provides insights into the selective drivers underlying evolutionary change. Snake venoms, with a direct genetic basis and clearly defined functional phenotype, provide a model system for exploring the repeated evolution of adaptations. While snakes use venom primarily for predation, and venom composition often reflects diet specificity, three lineages of cobras have independently evolved the ability to spit venom at adversaries. Using gene, protein, and functional analyses, we show that the three spitting lineages possess venoms characterized by an up-regulation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) toxins, which potentiate the action of preexisting venom cytotoxins to activate mammalian sensory neurons and cause enhanced pain. These repeated independent changes provide a fascinating example of convergent evolution across multiple phenotypic levels driven by selection for defense.Entities:
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Year: 2021 PMID： 33479150 PMCID： PMC7610493 DOI： 10.1126/science.abb9303
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Science ISSN： 0036-8075 Impact factor: 47.728