From neuropeptides to toxins: illuminating the origins of venom complexity in cone snails.

Over 20 independent recruitment events transformed neuropeptide genes into venom toxins in Conus textile, driven by diverse genomic mechanisms rather than whole-genome duplication.

• Why it matters: Understanding how venom complexity evolves sheds light on molecular innovation and adaptation in venomous animals, filling a gap in knowledge about toxin gene origins.
• What they did: The study analyzed the Conus textile genome, identifying multiple gene recruitment events and mechanisms such as exon shuffling, alternative splicing, and recombination facilitated by transposable elements.
• The result: Findings demonstrate that venom gene evolution is a dynamic process influenced by genome architecture, providing insights into the development of complex gene repertoires in venoms and other systems.