Solenopsis invicta sequencing
Significant genotypic variation was discovered in the Solenopsis invicta venom 2 gene in a small number of Solenopsis invicta field colonies that exhibited strong identity to the Solenopsis richteri venom 2 ortholog from the congener, Solenopsis richteri. Phylogenetic analysis of the Solenopsis invicta venom 2 protein sequences revealed a significant evolutionary relationship with Solenopsis richteri despite being confirmed as Solenopsis invicta. A unique, truncated, Solenopsis invicta venom 2-like protein was also discovered in these colonies originating from a unique locus on chromosome 10 where multiple duplication events have apparently copied this gene. Western blotting with monoclonal antibodies specific for different, unique regions confirmed translation of the truncated Solenopsis invicta venom 2-like transcript. Apparent differences in expression patterns were noted when the truncated form of the venom was expressed.