Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches for snake venom profiling

Introduction Snake venoms contain many protein and peptide isoforms with high levels of sequence variation, even within a single species. Areas covered In this review, we highlight several examples, from both published and unpublished work in our lab, demonstrating how a combined venom gland transcriptome and proteome methodology allows for comprehensive characterization of venoms, including those from understudied rear-fanged snake species, and we provide recommendations for using these approaches. Expert Opinion When characterizing venoms, peptide mass fingerprinting using databases built predominately from protein sequences originating from model organisms can be disadvantageous, especially when the intention is to document protein diversity. Therefore, the use of species-specific venom gland transcriptomes corrects for the absence of these unique peptide sequences in databases. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics improves the accuracy of either approach alone for venom profiling.

Automated summary

Snake venoms contain diverse protein and peptide isoforms, and integrating venom gland transcriptomics and proteomics can provide a comprehensive characterization of venom, especially for understudied species. Species-specific venom gland transcriptomes can correct the absence of unique peptide sequences in databases, improving the accuracy of venom profiling through the integration of transcriptomics and proteomics.