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Spider genomes provide insight into composition and evolution of venom and silk

Author

Listed:
  • Kristian W. Sanggaard

    (Aarhus University
    Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University)

  • Jesper S. Bechsgaard

    (Aarhus University)

  • Xiaodong Fang

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen
    University of Copenhagen)

  • Jinjie Duan

    (Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University)

  • Thomas F. Dyrlund

    (Aarhus University)

  • Vikas Gupta

    (Aarhus University
    Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University)

  • Xuanting Jiang

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Ling Cheng

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Dingding Fan

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Yue Feng

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Lijuan Han

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Zhiyong Huang

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Zongze Wu

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Li Liao

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Virginia Settepani

    (Aarhus University)

  • Ida B. Thøgersen

    (Aarhus University
    Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University)

  • Bram Vanthournout

    (Aarhus University)

  • Tobias Wang

    (Aarhus University)

  • Yabing Zhu

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen)

  • Peter Funch

    (Aarhus University)

  • Jan J. Enghild

    (Aarhus University
    Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University)

  • Leif Schauser

    (CLC bio, Silkeborgvej 2)

  • Stig U. Andersen

    (Aarhus University)

  • Palle Villesen

    (Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University
    Aarhus University)

  • Mikkel H Schierup

    (Aarhus University
    Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University)

  • Trine Bilde

    (Aarhus University)

  • Jun Wang

    (BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen
    University of Copenhagen
    King Abdulaziz University)

Abstract

Spiders are ecologically important predators with complex venom and extraordinarily tough silk that enables capture of large prey. Here we present the assembled genome of the social velvet spider and a draft assembly of the tarantula genome that represent two major taxonomic groups of spiders. The spider genomes are large with short exons and long introns, reminiscent of mammalian genomes. Phylogenetic analyses place spiders and ticks as sister groups supporting polyphyly of the Acari. Complex sets of venom and silk genes/proteins are identified. We find that venom genes evolved by sequential duplication, and that the toxic effect of venom is most likely activated by proteases present in the venom. The set of silk genes reveals a highly dynamic gene evolution, new types of silk genes and proteins, and a novel use of aciniform silk. These insights create new opportunities for pharmacological applications of venom and biomaterial applications of silk.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristian W. Sanggaard & Jesper S. Bechsgaard & Xiaodong Fang & Jinjie Duan & Thomas F. Dyrlund & Vikas Gupta & Xuanting Jiang & Ling Cheng & Dingding Fan & Yue Feng & Lijuan Han & Zhiyong Huang & Zong, 2014. "Spider genomes provide insight into composition and evolution of venom and silk," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4765
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4765
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    Cited by:

    1. Edward G. Smith & Joachim M. Surm & Jason Macrander & Adi Simhi & Guy Amir & Maria Y. Sachkova & Magda Lewandowska & Adam M. Reitzel & Yehu Moran, 2023. "Micro and macroevolution of sea anemone venom phenotype," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Chao Tong & Leticia Avilés & Linda S. Rayor & Alexander S. Mikheyev & Timothy A. Linksvayer, 2022. "Genomic signatures of recent convergent transitions to social life in spiders," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.

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