Linear Peptides—A Combinatorial Innovation in the Venom of Some Modern Spiders

Abstract

In the venom of spiders, linear peptides (LPs), also called cytolytical or antimicrobial peptides, represent a largely neglected group of mostly membrane active substances that contribute in some spider species considerably to the killing power of spider venom. By next-generation sequencing venom gland transcriptome analysis, we investigated 48 spider species from 23 spider families and detected LPs in 20 species, belonging to five spider families (Ctenidae, Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, Pisauridae, and Zodariidae). The structural diversity is extraordinary high in some species: the lynx spider Oxyopes heterophthalmus contains 62 and the lycosid Pardosa palustris 60 different LPs. In total, we identified 524 linear peptide structures and some of them are in lycosids identical on amino acid level. LPs are mainly encoded in complex precursor structures in which, after the signal peptide and propeptide, 13 or more LPs (Hogna radiata) are connected by linkers. Besides Cupiennius species, also in Oxyopidae, posttranslational modifications of some precursor structures result in the formation of two-chain peptides. It is obvious that complex precursor structures represent a very suitable and fast method to produce a high number and a high diversity of bioactive LPs as economically as possible. At least in Lycosidae, Oxyopidae, and in the genus Cupiennius, LPs reach very high Transcripts Per Kilobase Million values, indicating functional importance within the envenomation process.

Enlighting the toxinological dark matter of spider venom enzymes

“…A large proportion of reported toxins are derived from mygalomorph species [44], while other spider families have been largely overlooked in venom research [43]. However, we found that the situation is currently undergoing a change with recent publications focusing on four previously neglected spider families [45].…”

“…However, we found that the situation is currently undergoing a change with recent publications focusing on four previously neglected spider families [45].…”

Engineering a wolf spider A-family toxin towards increased antimicrobial activity but low toxicity

“…More recent analysis of venoms from the wandering RTA-clade spiders have revealed a variety of cytolytic peptides also known as cationic peptides, short linear peptides or spider venom antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) [4,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. They usually contain 15-35 amino acids, form α-helices with a hydrophobic face, and are positively charged.…”

Functional Profiling of the A-Family of Venom Peptides from the Wolf Spider Lycosa shansia

“…This group has recruited another major peptide class known as that of short linear peptides (SLPs) into its venom [ 1 ]. SLPs are also described as cytolytic peptides, cationic peptides or spider venom antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) [ 17 , 18 ]. Interestingly, such peptides have been identified in RTA-clade venoms but not in any other spider venoms [ 18 ].…”

“…SLPs are also described as cytolytic peptides, cationic peptides or spider venom antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) [ 17 , 18 ]. Interestingly, such peptides have been identified in RTA-clade venoms but not in any other spider venoms [ 18 ]. They range from 10 to 30 amino acids in length and several of them can be expressed on a single polycistronic transcript.…”