Fry, Bryan Grieg, Seneci, Lorenzo, Harris, Richard J., Cleuren, Silke C.J., and Jackson, Timothy N.W. (2023) Evolutionary and Clinical Implications of the Snake Venom System: Dynamic Diversification. In: Penning, David, (ed.) Snakes: morphology, function, and ecology. Life Sciences Research and Development . Nova Science Publishers, Hauppage, NY, USA, pp. 343-414.

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Abstract

The evolution of a functional venom apparatus represented an incredibly successful adaptation for the advanced snakes, enabling an explosive wave of diversification and radiation of this clade. Building on already existing genetic and physiological features that first arose at the root of the Toxicoferan lineage, venomous snakes developed an extremely diversified array of toxins via multiple rounds of gene duplication and neofunctionalization of genes previously expressed in other organs. Over time, this process led to remarkable specialization of venom toxins towards precise targets across all major physiological elements, from the nervous system to the blood clotting cascade. This variation is the result of natural selection (largely positive, although purifying and neutral selections are at play for certain toxin families) acting in the form of environmental pressures. As snake venom is a predominately trophic adaptation, diet is largely considered the main driver of venom evolution and specialization, with evolution gradually tailoring venom activity towards maximum efficacy against a specific prey type or a generalist feeding pattern. However, environmental variables (e.g., climate and elevation) and phylogenetic relatedness often play a prominent role as well, resulting in a mosaic of influencing factors that gives rise to sometimes extreme variability in venom phenotype between and within species. This bears dramatic implications for the clinical treatment of snakebite envenoming in humans, which claims over 100,000 lives every year particularly in developing regions, and with hundreds of thousands of survivors suffering permanent disabilities including amputation and organ damage such as dysfunctional kidneys. In fact, even subtle differences in venom composition at all taxonomic levels can result in impaired effectiveness of antivenom products. On the other hand, snake venom components are also a highly promising venue for biodiscovery, as testified by the several marketed drugs derived from toxins found in snake venom.

Item ID:	84478
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	979-8-88697-855-1
Copyright Information:	© 2023 Nova Science Publishers
Date Deposited:	21 May 2026 01:53
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3199 Other biological sciences > 319999 Other biological sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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