Toxinomics Foundation

VENOMICS the Venomous Systems Genome Project

Venomics is an ambitious research programme initiated by the members of the International Society of Toxinology which aims at characterising the unique genes and gene products of venomous animals. Using the most up-to-date technologies in life sciences, the complete genomics , transcriptomics and proteomics (the studies of genes, RNA and proteins) of 5 model species will be achieved.

The programme has already started with the CONCO project which focuses on the study of a marine venomous animal, a cone snail called Conus consors. Within Venomics and over a period of 5 to 10 years, the genome and venom of two snakes, a spider and a scorpion should also be fully investigated.

- Pictures by J-J. Soin, R. Stöcklin & O. Cheneval -

It is expected to offer the scientific community the largest body of information ever compiled on venoms and their evolution, and on the genetics of venomous systems. The huge data provided by Venomics should also lead to the discovery of many new bioactive molecules, some of them hopefully leading to powerful new drugs. It will also offer toxinologists a unique opportunity to position their work in this innovative and rewarding endeavour and may help toxinology, the science of toxins, to become a major discipline.

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