Focusing on the Unfocused: Prominence of Proteo-transcriptomic Studies on Venomous Sea Snakes.

Sea snakes, a group of highly specialized reptiles adapted to marine environment, have evolved a remarkable arsenal of venomous adaptations that remain largely unexplored. This review systematically compiles and analyses data from a multitude of studies, further highlighting the scopes to study the molecular mechanism of how the complex cocktail of toxins of sea snakes have developed for prey capture and defence. It discusses the habitat, behaviour and distribution of multiple sea snake genera and future aspects of their potential pharmacological significance and medical relevance. In addition, this review advocates for a comprehensive exploration of the transcriptomic landscape, elucidating the genetic profile of venom-gland tissues, and a thorough proteomic analysis for characterizing the venom proteins. Such investigations aim to provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying venom composition, shedding light on the evolutionary adaptations and ecological roles of these snakes. Moreover, the study emphasizes the potential pharmacological applications of sea snake venom components, urging a broader exploration for novel bioactive compounds with therapeutic implications. Overall, this review seeks to contribute valuable insights into the fascinating biology of sea snakes while emphasizing the potential translational benefits for medicine and biotechnology.