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Title: Molecular mechanisms underlying intraspecific variation in snake venom
Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie snake venom variability provides important clues for understanding how the biological functions of this powerful toxic arsenal evolve. Here we analyzed in detail individual transcripts and venom protein isoforms produced by five specimens of a venomous snake (Bothrops atrox) from two nearby but genetically distinct populations from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest showing functional similarities in venom properties. Individual variation was observed among the venoms of these specimens, but the overall abundance of each general toxin family was conserved both in transcripts and in venom protein levels. However, when expression of independent paralogues was analyzed, remarkable differences were observed within and among each toxin group both between individuals and between populations. Transcripts for functionally essential venom proteins (“housekeeping” proteins) are highly expressed in all specimens and show similar transcription/translation rates. In contrast, other paralogues show lower expression levels and the toxins they code for vary among different individuals. These results provide support for the idea that that expression and translational differences play a greater role in defining adaptive variation in venom phenotypes than does sequence variation in protein coding genes and that convergent adaptive venom phenotypes can be generated through different molecular mechanisms.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1638872
NSF-PAR ID:
10073037
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of proteomics
Volume:
181
ISSN:
1876-7737
Page Range / eLocation ID:
60-72
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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