The unexpected diverse venom evolution in centipedes

Abstract

Recent studies in the field of modern venomics illustrate that the ancestors of today’s centipedes presumably had a rather simple venom cocktail at their disposal with few neurotoxic components and enzymes. In the course of evolution, this venom cocktail has experienced unexpected changes with diverse adaptations to centipede lifestyles – a development that led to unique venoms in all five centipede orders that share no single toxin family, which makes it impossible to speak of a centipede venom. The venoms of giant centipedes (Scolopendromorpha) represent a climax with several new neurotoxic peptides. The processes that have led to the development and evolution of venom proteins in centipedes are illustrated here. First data on genomic level suggest that even horizontal gene transfer might play an important role.