Citation

Quintero-Hernández V, Ortiz E, Rendon MR, Schwartz EF, Becerril B, Corzo G, Possani LD. Toxicon 2011; 58(8): 644-663.

Affiliation

Instituto de Biotecnología - UNAM, Avenidad Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.09.015

PMID

21978889

Abstract

This communication reviews most of the important findings related to venom components isolated from scorpions and spiders, mainly by means of gene cloning and expression. Rather than revising results obtained by classical biochemical studies that report structure and function of venom components, here the emphasis is placed on cloning and identification of genes present in the venomous glands of these arachnids. Aspects related to cDNA library construction, specific or random ESTs cloning, transcriptome analysis, high-throughput screening, heterologous expression and folding are briefly discussed, showing some numbers of species and components already identified, but also shortly mentioning limitations and perspectives of research for the future in this field.

Language: en