Platypus venom genes expressed in non-venom tissues

Abstract

The venom of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has been poorly studied to date. The recent publication of the platypus genome heralds a new era for mammalian venom research and is a useful starting tool for functional studies of venom components. We report here the patterns of tissue expression of two venom genes, OvNGF and OvCNP, in order to provide some insight into the functions of the proteins they produce and to pave the way for further functional and pharmacological studies, which may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents.