The structural and functional diversification of the Toxicofera reptile venom system

W. Wuster; B.G. Fry; N.R. Casewell; W. Wüster; N. Vidal; B. Young; T.N. Jackson

doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.013

The structural and functional diversification of the Toxicofera reptile venom system

W. Wuster, B.G. Fry, N.R. Casewell, W. Wüster, N. Vidal, B. Young, T.N. Jackson

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The evolutionary origin and diversification of the reptilian venom system is described. The resolution of higher-order molecular phylogenetics has clearly established that a venom system is ancestral to snakes. The diversification of the venom system within lizards is discussed, as is the role of venom delivery in the behavioural ecology of these taxa (particularly Varanus komodoensis). The more extensive diversification of the venom system in snakes is summarised, including its loss in some clades. Finally, we discuss the contentious issue of a definition for “venom”, supporting an evolutionary definition that recognises the homology of both the venom delivery systems and the toxins themselves.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	434-448
Journal	Toxicon
Volume	60
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.013
Publication status	Published - 15 Sept 2012

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10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.013

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abstract = "The evolutionary origin and diversification of the reptilian venom system is described. The resolution of higher-order molecular phylogenetics has clearly established that a venom system is ancestral to snakes. The diversification of the venom system within lizards is discussed, as is the role of venom delivery in the behavioural ecology of these taxa (particularly Varanus komodoensis). The more extensive diversification of the venom system in snakes is summarised, including its loss in some clades. Finally, we discuss the contentious issue of a definition for “venom”, supporting an evolutionary definition that recognises the homology of both the venom delivery systems and the toxins themselves.",

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AU - Wuster, W.

AU - Fry, B.G.

AU - Casewell, N.R.

AU - Wüster, W.

AU - Vidal, N.

AU - Young, B.

AU - Jackson, T.N.

PY - 2012/9/15

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AB - The evolutionary origin and diversification of the reptilian venom system is described. The resolution of higher-order molecular phylogenetics has clearly established that a venom system is ancestral to snakes. The diversification of the venom system within lizards is discussed, as is the role of venom delivery in the behavioural ecology of these taxa (particularly Varanus komodoensis). The more extensive diversification of the venom system in snakes is summarised, including its loss in some clades. Finally, we discuss the contentious issue of a definition for “venom”, supporting an evolutionary definition that recognises the homology of both the venom delivery systems and the toxins themselves.

U2 - 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.013

DO - 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.013

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EP - 448

JO - Toxicon

JF - Toxicon

IS - 4

ER -

The structural and functional diversification of the Toxicofera reptile venom system

Abstract

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