Journal article
A review of the venom microbiome and its utility in ecology and evolution including future directions for emerging research
Symbiosis, Vol.95(1), pp.3-27
2025
Abstract
Microbes play vital roles in ecological systems, yet their presence and functions within venom environments of venomous organisms remain understudied. Despite the prevalent belief in the sterility of venoms, recent findings reveal diverse microbial communities within venom systems. This review aims to explore the relationships between venoms and microbes, highlighting their potential roles in evolutionary processes, ecological interactions, and therapeutic advancements. Venoms, composed of toxins utilized in hunting or defense, represent a rich source of natural products with applications in drug discovery and therapy, exemplified by FDA-approved venom toxin-derived drugs. Understanding microbial resistance mechanisms against antimicrobial peptides can illuminate coevolutionary processes and guide therapeutic development. Integrating hologenomic evolution and microbial ecology frameworks will facilitate comprehensive research on venom-microbiome interactions, and reveal the evolutionary drivers of venom diversification. Investigating and investing in these relationships promises advancements in understanding evolution, ecology, and biotechnology, with implications for human health and ecological conservation. This review synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies many gaps in literature, and investigates critical unanswered questions in the field of venom microbiology, encouraging ongoing and future collaborative research.
Details
- Title
- A review of the venom microbiome and its utility in ecology and evolution including future directions for emerging research
- Authors
- Marina E. De León - University of California, DavisEduardo G. P. Fox - Universidade Estadual de GoiásSara Dunaj - University of Massachusetts LowellRonald A. Jenner - Natural History MuseumCarl N. Keiser - University of FloridaJason Macrander - Florida Southern CollegeSamantha A. Nixon - University of California, San FranciscoClarissa J. Nobile - University of California, MercedDaniel Petras - University of California, RiversideEduardo Rodriguez-Roman - Emory UniversityAnthony J. Saviola - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusSteven A. Trim - Venomtech Ltd (United Kingdom)Natascha S. Varona - University of MiamiJustin Yeager - Universidad de Las AméricasSabah Ul-Hasan - HologicVolker Herzig (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for BioinnovationTimothy J. Colston (Corresponding Author) - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
- Publication details
- Symbiosis, Vol.95(1), pp.3-27
- Publisher
- Springer Dordrecht
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s13199-024-01031-0
- ISSN
- 1878-7665
- Grant note
- E.G.P.F. was funded by FAPEG/CNPq grant no. 317847/2021-0. C.J.N. acknowledges funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) award R35GM124594 and from the Kamangar family in the form of an endowed chair. T.J.C. was supported by the National Science Foundation (awards DEB-2406685 and DBI 2334779) and the Office of Research at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991119448502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Industry collaboration
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Microbiology