De novo genome assembly of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes reveals venom gene expansion and ecological adaptations
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The Western nose-horned viper ( Vipera ammodytes ammodytes ) is the most venomous snake in Europe, known for its potent venom and the danger it poses to humans. To better understand the genetic architecture behind its venom composition and ecological adaptations, we assembled a high-quality de novo chromosomal-level genome for this species. Using a combination of PacBio and Illumina sequencing, we achieved a 131x coverage, surpassing previous snake genome assemblies. Our analysis revealed a substantial expansion of olfactory receptor genes, which may be linked to the species' adaptation to high-altitude and cold environments. Furthermore, we identified 112 venom-related genes across 15 families, with notable tandem duplications in snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), shedding light on the molecular evolution of its venom. Transposable elements, particularly LINEs, were abundant, suggesting ongoing genomic activity. This assembly provides crucial insights into the evolutionary dynamics of venomous snakes and offers a valuable resource for comparative genomics, antivenom research, and development of venom-derived therapeutics.
