Unveiling the Enzymatic Riches of Spider Venoms

As venomous creatures, Spiders employ their chemical arsenal for prey acquisition or self-defense. Their venom contains small neurotoxins that target the central nervous system of their targets.

While the toxins have been extensively studied, researchers at the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) in Hesse, Germany, have shifted their focus to the enzymes in the intricate venom mixture.

They have uncovered these proteins' substantial and previously unrecognized diversity, which is crucial in facilitating biochemical reactions. According to the researchers, these enzymes could hold significant value for bioeconomic applications.

The world has an astounding diversity of spiders, with approximately 52,000 species. These arachnids produce some of the most complex venoms in the animal kingdom, with a single species' venom potentially containing over 3,000 different molecules. Primarily, these venoms consist of small neurotoxins used to subdue insect prey.

Researchers from the LOEWE Centre TBG at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, a branch of Bioresources (IME-BR) in Giessen, Germany, have now delved into the previously overlooked components of spider venom. Their findings, published in the npj Biodiversity journal, reveal a surprising discovery: in addition to the well-studied neurotoxins, spider venom also contains a diverse array of enzymes.

In the past, a few pioneering studies suggested the presence of enzymes in spider venoms, but a targeted search for them has never been carried out. We took on this task and systematically screened the raw data of all so far venom-wise analyzed spiders for enzymes. We were able to show that there are more than 140 different enzyme families in their venom.”

 Dr. Tim Lüddecke, Study Leader, Justus Liebig University

Lüddecke is also the Head of Animal Venomics working group at the IME-BR.

Lüddecke said, “This means, among others, that we have dramatically underestimated the chemical diversity of spider venoms so far, as all calculations of complexity are based on the neurotoxins alone.”

The findings of this study pave the way for novel research methodologies to enhance the comprehension of the evolution and functionality of spider venoms and present new avenues for their potential applications.

The authors emphasize that this work's outcomes have significant implications, expanding the possibilities for further exploration and utilization of these complex and intriguing natural substances.

Enzymes are key building blocks of the bioeconomy. They accelerate chemical reactions and are characterized by very low by-product formation, low energy consumption, and biodegradability. They can therefore be used to create value in a highly sustainable way. The industry is therefore constantly looking for new sources of enzymes.”

Josephine Dresler, PhD Student and Study First Author, Justus Liebig University

“Some of the enzymes we have identified could be used in detergents or waste management, for example, because of their fat-splitting or protein-degrading properties. They could make a significant contribution to a sustainable transformation there,” said Dresler.

The research conducted by the scientists in Giessen showcases the promising translational applications that can be derived from the venom of various spider species. Their findings underscore the untapped potential of these natural compounds and their possible utilization in diverse fields, such as drug development or biomedical applications.

So far, the spider venom community has focused exclusively on medical or agricultural applications. Our discovery opens up the possibility of establishing a completely new field of applied research, but we are only at the beginning, as less than one percent of all spider species have been studied for their venoms. I am confident that we will make more exciting discoveries in the remaining 99 percent of the world’s spider fauna!”

 Dr. Tim Lüddecke, Study Leader, Justus Liebig University