Imaging the world of miniature venomous arthropods (2014-2017)

Venomous arthropods produce a myriad of biologically active peptides, with many having potential as pharmacological tools, bioinsecticides, and pharmaceuticals. Most studies to date have focussed on large arthropods; smaller species remain neglected due to the difficulties of venom collection. In this proposal we seek to further advance the pioneering imaging mass spectrometry approaches we developed for imaging toxins in the venom glands of spiders and centipedes. By combining high-resolution MALDI imaging data with histological and transcriptomic information we aim to provide the first detailed insights into the neglected world of miniature arthropod venoms. The approaches we develop will have wide application in the field of biology.