Animal Venoms and Their Components: Molecular Mechanisms of Action v 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

This is a second version of the previous Special Issue, which attracted 23 papers on various aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of animal venoms and toxins. This Special Issue also intends to unite papers on the molecular basis of the action of venoms and toxins in one issue. As animal venoms comprise numerous toxins of different natures, the mechanisms of their action are quite diverse, which requires the application of different approaches and methods for investigation. In prey, venoms and toxins affect various vitally important systems that may result in severe illness or death. During evolution, animal toxins acquired the ability to bind selectively and with high affinity to biological targets in organisms. However, at present, not all toxin targets have been identified, and not all the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of toxins are understood. This understanding is very important for the efficient treatment of envenomation, which still continues to be a significant problem. On the other hand, their high selectivity and efficiency make toxins valuable molecular tools for fundamental research. Moreover, toxins with known mechanisms of action may serve as templates for drug development. All this suggests that studying the molecular mechanisms of action of animal venoms and their toxins is a very challenging but important task. The aim of this Special Issue of Toxins is to present a modern understanding of the various aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of animal venoms and their components. 

Dr. Yuri Utkin
Guest Editor

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