Molecular evolution and toxinology of colubrid snake venom toxins

这个项目建议研究高级蛇(青蛇属)的毒液系统的起源和进化，重点是由后牙物种组成的杂交蛇的辐射。我们证明，在亚洲鼠蛇Elaphe Radiata的分泌物中存在一种强大的突触后神经毒素，这迫使人们从根本上重新思考毒液的进化。这种毒素与三种手指毒素同源，以前被认为是伊拉普斯特有的，并支持毒液作为高级蛇多样化的关键进化创新的作用。该项目将这项工作扩展到其他物种和毒素家族。

This project proposes to examine the origin and evolution of venom systems in advanced snakes (Caenophidia) focusing on the colubrid radiation comprising the rear-fanged species. Demonstration by us of the presence of a potent postsynaptic neurotoxin in the Durvenoy's secretions of the Asian ratsnake Elaphe radiata, an archetypal non-venomous colubrid species, forced a fundamental rethink of venom evolution. The toxin is homologous with the three finger toxins, previously thought unique to elapids, and supports the role of venom as a key evolutionary innovation in the diversification of advanced snakes. This project extends this work to other species and toxin families.