Investigating the Molecular Diversity of Venom in Atractaspis aterrima Using a High-Throughput Transcriptomic Approach
Burrowing Vipers with Elapidae-Like Venom
The Atractaspididae, commonly known as mole vipers, stiletto snakes, or burrowing asps, are a family of venomous snakes found in Africa and the Middle East. Despite their burrowing lifestyle and secretive nature, Atractaspis snakes possess venom with unique properties that differ from typical viperid venom. One intriguing aspect of their venom is its antigenic similarity to the venom of Elapidae, a family of snakes known for their neurotoxic venom.
Unveiling the Molecular Diversity
To delve into the molecular diversity of Atractaspis venom, researchers conducted a high-throughput transcriptomic study focusing specifically on Atractaspis aterrima, the slender burrowing asp. This approach involved analyzing the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts in the venom glands to identify and characterize the venom genes expressed.
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