Platypus stinger3/10/2023 ![]() ![]() Whittington, Camilla M Koh, Jennifer M S Warren, Wesley C Papenfuss, Anthony T Torres, Allan M Kuchel, Philip W Belov, Katherine Understanding and utilising mammalian venom via a platypus venom transcriptome. We have found similarities between putative platypus toxins and those of a number of unrelated species, providing insight into the evolution of mammalian venom. This study represents a step towards fully characterizing the first mammal venom transcriptome. We have also used homology with known proteins to speculate on the contributions of each venom component to the symptoms of platypus envenomation. However, the presence of similar putative toxins in such widely divergent species provides further evidence for the hypothesis that there are certain protein families that are selected preferentially during evolution to become venom peptides. Thus, further functional testing is required to confirm venom activity. A number of these are expressed in tissues other than the venom gland, and at least three of these families (those with homology to toxins from distant invertebrates) may play non-toxin roles. We identified 83 novel putative platypus venom genes from 13 toxin families, which are homologous to known toxins from a wide range of vertebrates (fish, reptiles, insectivores) and invertebrates (spiders, sea anemones, starfish). We have constructed and sequenced a cDNA library from an active platypus venom gland to identify the remaining components. To date, few peptides in the complex mixture of platypus venom have been identified and sequenced, in part due to the limited amounts of platypus venom available to study. Whittington, Camilla M Papenfuss, Anthony T Locke, Devin P Mardis, Elaine R Wilson, Richard K Abubucker, Sahar Mitreva, Makedonka Wong, Emily S W Hsu, Arthur L Kuchel, Philip W Belov, Katherine Warren, Wesley C Novel venom gene discovery in the platypus. Conclusions This study represents a step towards fully characterizing the first mammal venom transcriptome. Results We identified 83 novel putative platypus venom genes from 13 toxin families, which are homologous to known toxins from a wide range of vertebrates (fish, reptiles, insectivores) and invertebrates (spiders, sea anemones, starfish). They hunt via electrosensory reception through their beak and scoop up gravel along with their food to grind up their prey, as they lack teeth.Novel venom gene discovery in the platypusīackground To date, few peptides in the complex mixture of platypus venom have been identified and sequenced, in part due to the limited amounts of platypus venom available to study. Platypuses are carnivores that feed on worms, crustaceans, and insect larvae.
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