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Spider genome sequenced for first time: possible applications
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The spider genome has been sequenced for the first time, opening up the possibilities for gaining insights into spider attributes and activities. For example, the venom and silk made by spiders has potential applications for manufacturing of biomaterials or developing pharmacological products. The study establishing the spider genome was carried out by researchers in Aarhus University, Denmark and the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) and is published in the journal Nature Communications.

Spiders are predators which are able to capture large prey by use of their extremely tough silk. They also have a complex venom with which to kill their prey. For the study, the researchers focused on two types of spiders which represent two of the three main spider family groups. One is a small velvet spider, whose genome was completely sequenced and the other is a tarantula, for which there are still some gaps in the genome sequence.

The team compared the sequences to try to determine if there are genes that define ‘spider’. One of the first authors, Kristian W. Sanggaard, explains: “The idea was that, by comparing their genetic makeup, we’d try to see whether we could say anything in general terms about what makes a spider a spider.” A limited number of similarities were identified, reflecting that fact that it is almost 300 million years since the two types of spiders had a common ancestor. One of the other first authors, Jesper S. Bechsgaard, clarifies: “But we found a number of genes – about two to three hundred – that have only been found in these two types of spiders and not in other organisms. They could be candidates for genes specific to spiders.”

The results of the study showed that the spider genomes are large with similar structures to mammalian genomes of short, protein-coding exons separated by long, non-coding introns. The sequencing revealed insights into the evolution of the venom genes and suggested that the toxic effect of venom is most likely activated by enzymes called proteases in the venom. The silk genes meanwhile have evolved in a highly dynamic way. The sequencing also revealed new types of silk genes and proteins, and a novel use of aciniform silk.

The unveiling of the spider genome creates “a tool for everyone interested in spiders,” according to the authors. They point out that: “People can select an aspect or feature of the spider they’re interested in, and then utilise the ‘genetic map’ we published and which we ourselves have used to study silk and venom. This provides completely new opportunities for spider researchers.” Better understanding of the properties of the silk and venom of the spiders, for example, offer major potential in the development of pesticides or medicines or of biomaterials. The paper’s authors plan to use the genome to advance work on the spider’s digestive enzymes and immune system. However, the possibilities are there for anyone interested in other aspects to focus on other genes.

Sources:
Sanggaard, K.W., Bechsgaard, J.S. and Fang, X. (2014). Spider genomes provide insight into composition and evolution of venom and silk. Nature Communications, 5(3765); doi:10.1038/ncomms4765

Press release: Aarhus University; available at http://scitech.au.dk/en/current-affairs/...er-genome/
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Spider genome sequenced for first time: possible applications00