Currently, thousands of animal taxa are recognised for their ability to produce mixtures of toxins. These are bioactive compounds that disrupt the physiology of their targets and lead to deleterious effects. Depending on their mode of delivery, these toxic mixtures are referred to as venoms (injected, typically through the infliction of a wound), and poisons (absorbed, for instance through the digestive tract). Among the diverse array of toxic vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles are likely the most well-known. Members of these two groups employ venoms and poisons as powerful tools to facilitate their survival. For instance, many “advanced snakes” (Caenophidia) use venoms to effectively subjugate their prey. Conversely, numerous amphibians employ skin-secreted poisons not only to fend off predators, but also for defence against bacterial and fungal infections, and even as means of communication with their conspecifics. From predation to defence mechanisms and communication, the use of toxins by amphibians and reptiles underscores the fascinating complexity of nature's survival tactics.
The goal of this Research Topic is to shed light on the world of amphibian and reptilian toxins from a multidisciplinary point of view, with a focus on the evolutionary and ecological framework. Particularly, we aim to offer novel insights into the rapidly advancing field of amphibian and reptilian toxin research, elucidating the functional role of venoms and poisons of understudied taxa.
We welcome contributions covering a wide range of topics related to the world of amphibian and reptile toxic arsenals, including:
- Characterisation of venom/poison components
- Evolution and variability of venom/poison profiles
- Pharmacological and immunological properties of amphibian and reptile toxins
- Morphology of venom delivery systems
- Observations on symptoms caused by envenoming and/or poisoning and their treatment
- Behavioural and/or ecological notes on the use of venoms/poisons by amphibians and reptiles
Keywords:
Venom, Poison, Serpentes, Squamata, Amphibia
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Currently, thousands of animal taxa are recognised for their ability to produce mixtures of toxins. These are bioactive compounds that disrupt the physiology of their targets and lead to deleterious effects. Depending on their mode of delivery, these toxic mixtures are referred to as venoms (injected, typically through the infliction of a wound), and poisons (absorbed, for instance through the digestive tract). Among the diverse array of toxic vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles are likely the most well-known. Members of these two groups employ venoms and poisons as powerful tools to facilitate their survival. For instance, many “advanced snakes” (Caenophidia) use venoms to effectively subjugate their prey. Conversely, numerous amphibians employ skin-secreted poisons not only to fend off predators, but also for defence against bacterial and fungal infections, and even as means of communication with their conspecifics. From predation to defence mechanisms and communication, the use of toxins by amphibians and reptiles underscores the fascinating complexity of nature's survival tactics.
The goal of this Research Topic is to shed light on the world of amphibian and reptilian toxins from a multidisciplinary point of view, with a focus on the evolutionary and ecological framework. Particularly, we aim to offer novel insights into the rapidly advancing field of amphibian and reptilian toxin research, elucidating the functional role of venoms and poisons of understudied taxa.
We welcome contributions covering a wide range of topics related to the world of amphibian and reptile toxic arsenals, including:
- Characterisation of venom/poison components
- Evolution and variability of venom/poison profiles
- Pharmacological and immunological properties of amphibian and reptile toxins
- Morphology of venom delivery systems
- Observations on symptoms caused by envenoming and/or poisoning and their treatment
- Behavioural and/or ecological notes on the use of venoms/poisons by amphibians and reptiles
Keywords:
Venom, Poison, Serpentes, Squamata, Amphibia
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.