3-finger toxins are unique to the venoms of caenophidian snakes. This study traces the evolution of these toxins in snakes, highlighting a key shift from membrane-bound to secretory proteins. This transformation, involving the loss of a membrane-anchoring domain and changes in gene expression, paved the way for their venomous function.
- Ivan Koludarov
- Tobias Senoner
- Burkhard Rost