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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
Published on: November 3, 2014
Spider genomes provide insight into composition and evolution of venom and silk
Kristian W Sanggaard1, Jesper S Bechsgaard2, Xiaodong Fang3
11] Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [3].
Abstract:
Spiders are ecologically important predators with complex venom and extraordinarily tough silk that enables capture of large prey. Here we present the assembled genome of the social velvet spider and a draft assembly of the tarantula genome that represent two major taxonomic groups of spiders. The spider genomes are large with short exons and long introns, reminiscent of mammalian genomes. Phylogenetic analyses place spiders and ticks as sister groups supporting polyphyly of the Acari. Complex sets of venom and silk genes/proteins are identified. We find that venom genes evolved by sequential duplication, and that the toxic effect of venom is most likely activated by proteases present in the venom. The set of silk genes reveals a highly dynamic gene evolution, new types of silk genes and proteins, and a novel use of aciniform silk. These insights create new opportunities for pharmacological applications of venom and biomaterial applications of silk.
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