Proteome Analysis of the Six-Eyed Sand-Spider Sicarius thomisoides Venom

Spiders of the <i>Sicarius</i> genera (Araneae: Sicariidae) are commonly known as six-eyed sand spiders. Of the species described in Latin America, the species <i>S. thomisoides</i> has previously been shown to possess venom with a toxic potential comparable to that observed in the venom of the spider <i>L. laeta</i>. Although identifying the phospholipase D activity in the venom of <i>S. thomisoides</i>, it is still unknown what other components are part of the venom. In this study, we described the identification of the main protein components of <i>S. thomisoides</i> venom, revealing that the phospholipase D family were the majority toxins, followed by Astacin-like metalloproteinases and serine proteases. Additionally, the presence of CRISP-type allergens and peptides from the U-PHTX-Pmx family was identified for the first time in venoms from <i>Sicarius</i> genera. Identifying the components of the <i>Sicarius</i> spider venom is an essential step to understanding its toxicological potential.