Genetics / Genomics JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

Name: Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
Uploaded: 2026-06-22
Duration: 10 min 25 s
Description: Venoms are chemically complex secretions typically comprising numerous proteins and peptides with varied physiological activities. Functional ...

DOI: 10.3791/51618-v

What you'll learn

✓ Extract venom from spiders using electrical stimulation for proteomic analysis
✓ Perform venom gland microdissection for gene expression studies
✓ Prepare equipment and immobilize spiders for safe venom collection
✓ Characterize venom composition and stimulated gland transcriptomics

Protocol

This article provides a protocol for the extraction of venom from spiders using electrical stimulation in order to 1) conduct proteomic characterization, 2) stimulate venom gland gene expression, and 3) perform functional studies of venoms. This is followed by a description of venom gland microdissections for gene expression studies.

Difficulty

advanced

Total time

~45 min per spider (venom extraction + dissection)

Model organism

Spider (Araneus species or similar)

Biosafety

BSL-1

Steps

Prepare electro-stimulator apparatus

Assemble electrical stimulation equipment calibrated for safe venom extraction. Configure electrodes and power settings according to spider species specifications.

▶ 01:10

Prepare fine forceps for dissection

Clean and sharpen fine forceps to enable precise handling of delicate venom glands during microdissection procedures.

▶ 02:01

Prepare microcapillary tubes for venom collection

Cut and polish microcapillary tubes to appropriate length for collecting small volumes of extracted venom.

▶ 03:40

Immobilize spider for stimulation

Restrain spider safely in dissection apparatus using custom staging to prevent escape while allowing fang access for venom delivery.

▶ 04:35

Collect venom via electrical stimulation

Apply electrical stimulation to elicit venom discharge into microcapillary tubes. Monitor venom flow and collect sufficient volume for proteomic analysis.

▶ 06:19

Perform venom gland microdissection

Carefully isolate and remove venom glands from the spider body using fine forceps under magnification for subsequent gene expression studies.

▶ 08:10

Characterize extracted venom

Analyze venom composition and properties using proteomic and transcriptomic methods to identify toxins and assess gland expression profiles.

▶ 09:36

💬 Comments coming soon