Intraspecific venom variation in the Iberian asp viper (Vipera aspis zinnikeri) across natural and intensive agricultural habitats

Abstract

Snake venom composition varies at different levels. To date, comparative venom studies have seldom taken into account the role of habitat type in the occurrence of snake venom variation. Here we investigated the presence of venom variation across different populations of the Iberian asp viper (Vipera aspis zinnikeri) inhabiting two contrasting habitats: natural vs. intensive agricultural. We used shotgun proteomics to describe the protein composition of the venoms of six adults from two distinct localities. Furthermore, to test whether local conditions and habitat can alter venom composition in this taxon, we compared the SDS-PAGE profiles of 40 adult venoms from six populations, three in natural habitats and three in intensive agricultural environments. The venoms were composed of 21 toxin families, of which five (CTL, PLA₂, VEGF, svSP, and svMP) comprised 69–82 % of each proteome. The relative abundances of toxin families varied considerably at inter- and intra-population levels. Linear regression performed on non-metric multidimensional scaling values showed a significant effect of locality of origin and habitat type on the differences detected between individual SDS-PAGE venom profiles. Our results suggest the presence of regional variation in V. a. zinnikeri venom, potentially reinforcing the role of local pressures in shaping snake venom composition.

Significance

This work provides the first proteomic characterization of the venom of the Iberian asp viper, Vipera aspis zinnikeri, obtained by means of shotgun proteomics. The statistical analysis of 40 individual SDS-PAGE venom profiles highlights that venom variation in this taxon can be associated with geographical origin and habitat type of the area where each viper was collected. Our results suggest the presence of regional variation in V. a. zinnikeri venom, reinforcing the role that local pressures may play as drivers of snake venom variation.