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Rodrigues DT, Padilha HA, Soares ATG, de Souza MEO, Guerra MT, Ávila DS. The Caenorhabditis elegans neuroendocrine system and their modulators: An overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 586:112191. [PMID: 38382589 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In this review we seek to systematically bring what has been published in the literature about the nervous system, endocrine system, neuroendocrine relationships, neuroendocrine modulations and endocrine disruptors in the alternative model Caenorhabditis elegans. The serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitters are related to the modulation of the neuroendocrine axis, leading to the activation or inhibition of several processes that occur in the worm through distinct and interconnected pathways. Furthermore, this review addresses the gut-neuronal axis as it has been revealed in recent years that gut microbiota impacts on neuronal functions. This review also approaches xenobiotics that can positively or negatively impact the neuroendocrine system in C. elegans as in mammals, which allows the application of this nematode to screen new drugs and to identify toxicants that are endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teixeira Rodrigues
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Van Bael S, Ludwig C, Baggerman G, Temmerman L. Identification and Targeted Quantification of Endogenous Neuropeptides in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Using Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:341-373. [PMID: 38549024 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans lends itself as an excellent model organism for peptidomics studies. Its ease of cultivation and quick generation time make it suitable for high-throughput studies. The nervous system, with its 302 neurons, is probably the best-known and studied endocrine tissue. Moreover, its neuropeptidergic signaling pathways display numerous similarities with those observed in other metazoans. Here, we describe two label-free approaches for neuropeptidomics in C. elegans: one for discovery purposes, and another for targeted quantification and comparisons of neuropeptide levels between different samples. Starting from a detailed peptide extraction procedure, we here outline the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) setup and describe subsequent data analysis approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Van Bael
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christina Ludwig
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Germany
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Center for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Temmerman
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Beets I, Zels S, Vandewyer E, Demeulemeester J, Caers J, Baytemur E, Courtney A, Golinelli L, Hasakioğulları İ, Schafer WR, Vértes PE, Mirabeau O, Schoofs L. System-wide mapping of peptide-GPCR interactions in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113058. [PMID: 37656621 PMCID: PMC7615250 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides and peptide hormones are ancient, widespread signaling molecules that underpin almost all brain functions. They constitute a broad ligand-receptor network, mainly by binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the organization of the peptidergic network and roles of many peptides remain elusive, as our insight into peptide-receptor interactions is limited and many peptide GPCRs are still orphan receptors. Here we report a genome-wide peptide-GPCR interaction map in Caenorhabditis elegans. By reverse pharmacology screening of over 55,384 possible interactions, we identify 461 cognate peptide-GPCR couples that uncover a broad signaling network with specific and complex combinatorial interactions encoded across and within single peptidergic genes. These interactions provide insights into peptide functions and evolution. Combining our dataset with phylogenetic analysis supports peptide-receptor co-evolution and conservation of at least 14 bilaterian peptidergic systems in C. elegans. This resource lays a foundation for system-wide analysis of the peptidergic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Beets
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sven Zels
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jonas Demeulemeester
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; VIB - KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelle Caers
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Esra Baytemur
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amy Courtney
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | | | - William R Schafer
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Petra E Vértes
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Inserm U1224, Brain-Immune Communication Lab, 75015 Paris, France
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4
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Hawkins RD, Brodin L, Theodorsson E, Végvári Á, Kandel ER, Hokfelt T. Distribution, cellular localization, and colocalization of several peptide neurotransmitters in the central nervous system of Aplysia. Learn Mem 2023; 30:116-123. [PMID: 37442624 PMCID: PMC10353257 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053758.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are widely used as neurotransmitters in vertebrates and invertebrates. In vertebrates, a detailed understanding of their functions as transmitters has been hampered by the complexity of the nervous system. The marine mollusk Aplysia, with a simpler nervous system and many large, identified neurons, presents several advantages for addressing this question and has been used to examine the roles of tens of peptides in behavior. To screen for other peptides that might also play roles in behavior, we observed immunoreactivity in individual neurons in the central nervous system of adult Aplysia with antisera raised against the Aplysia peptide FMRFamide and two mammalian peptides that are also found in Aplysia, cholecystokinin (CCK) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as serotonin (5HT). In addition, we observed staining of individual neurons with antisera raised against mammalian somatostatin (SOM) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI). However, genomic analysis has shown that these two peptides are not expressed in the Aplysia nervous system, and we have therefore labeled the unknown peptides stained by these two antibodies as XSOM and XPHI There was an area at the anterior end of the cerebral ganglion that had staining by antisera raised against many different transmitters, suggesting that this may be a modulatory region of the nervous system. There was also staining for XSOM and, in some cases, FMRFamide in the bag cell cluster of the abdominal ganglion. In addition, these and other studies have revealed a fairly high degree of colocalization of different neuropeptides in individual neurons, suggesting that the peptides do not just act independently but can also interact in different combinations to produce complex functions. The simple nervous system of Aplysia is advantageous for further testing these ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Hawkins
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Lennart Brodin
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17177, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping S-58185, Sweden
| | - Ákos Végvári
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17177, Sweden
| | - Eric R Kandel
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Tomas Hokfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17177, Sweden
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5
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Aleotti A, Wilkie IC, Yañez-Guerra LA, Gattoni G, Rahman TA, Wademan RF, Ahmad Z, Ivanova DA, Semmens DC, Delroisse J, Cai W, Odekunle E, Egertová M, Ferrario C, Sugni M, Bonasoro F, Elphick MR. Discovery and functional characterization of neuropeptides in crinoid echinoderms. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1006594. [PMID: 36583101 PMCID: PMC9793003 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1006594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the largest and most diverse families of signaling molecules in animals and, accordingly, they regulate many physiological processes and behaviors. Genome and transcriptome sequencing has enabled the identification of genes encoding neuropeptide precursor proteins in species from a growing variety of taxa, including bilaterian and non-bilaterian animals. Of particular interest are deuterostome invertebrates such as the phylum Echinodermata, which occupies a phylogenetic position that has facilitated reconstruction of the evolution of neuropeptide signaling systems in Bilateria. However, our knowledge of neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms is largely based on bioinformatic and experimental analysis of eleutherozoans-Asterozoa (starfish and brittle stars) and Echinozoa (sea urchins and sea cucumbers). Little is known about neuropeptide signaling in crinoids (feather stars and sea lilies), which are a sister clade to the Eleutherozoa. Therefore, we have analyzed transcriptome/genome sequence data from three feather star species, Anneissia japonica, Antedon mediterranea, and Florometra serratissima, to produce the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursors in crinoids. These include representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide precursor families and several predicted crinoid neuropeptide precursors. Using A. mediterranea as an experimental model, we have investigated the expression of selected neuropeptides in larvae (doliolaria), post-metamorphic pentacrinoids and adults, providing new insights into the cellular architecture of crinoid nervous systems. Thus, using mRNA in situ hybridization F-type SALMFamide precursor transcripts were revealed in a previously undescribed population of peptidergic cells located dorso-laterally in doliolaria. Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry a calcitonin-type neuropeptide was revealed in the aboral nerve center, circumoral nerve ring and oral tube feet in pentacrinoids and in the ectoneural and entoneural compartments of the nervous system in adults. Moreover, functional analysis of a vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptide (crinotocin), which is expressed in the brachial nerve of the arms in A. mediterranea, revealed that this peptide causes a dose-dependent change in the mechanical behavior of arm preparations in vitro-the first reported biological action of a neuropeptide in a crinoid. In conclusion, our findings provide new perspectives on neuropeptide signaling in echinoderms and the foundations for further exploration of neuropeptide expression/function in crinoids as a sister clade to eleutherozoan echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Aleotti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain C. Wilkie
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A. Yañez-Guerra
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giacomo Gattoni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tahshin A. Rahman
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard F. Wademan
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zakaryya Ahmad
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deyana A. Ivanova
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dean C. Semmens
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Delroisse
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Weigang Cai
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Odekunle
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Ferrario
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonasoro
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maurice R. Elphick,
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6
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Liu M, Gao X, Shan S, Li Y, Wang J, Lu W. Eleutheroside E reduces intestinal fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans through neuroendocrine signals. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:5219-5228. [PMID: 35297055 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acanthopanax senticosus, a small woody shrub of the family Araliaceae, can be used as a functional food with multiple biological activities. Eleutheroside E (EE), an important active component of A. senticosus, has significant effects on neurological diseases. However, whether EE can regulate lipid metabolism has not been reported. The brain can mediate communication between neurons and intestinal cells through long-distance neuroendocrine signals. We speculated that EE might regulate the intestinal lipid metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans through neuroendocrine signals. RESULTS First, we found that EE reduced the intestinal fat content of C. elegans, without affecting development, reproduction, food intake or movement. In addition, EE significantly regulated genes and metabolites related to lipid metabolism. EE extensively affected fatty acid synthesis, β-oxidation and lipolysis processes, and regulated the content of various fatty acid and lipid metabolism intermediates. We finally proved that EE reduced intestinal fat storage through serotonin and neuropeptide flp-7-npr-22 pathways in the nervous system. CONCLUSION EE is expected to be a functional food that regulates lipid metabolism. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Liu
- Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Shan Shan
- Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- Key Laboratory of Astronaut Health Center, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Astronaut Health Center, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Lu
- Institute of Extreme Environment Nutrition and Protection, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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7
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Florman JT, Alkema MJ. Co-transmission of neuropeptides and monoamines choreograph the C. elegans escape response. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010091. [PMID: 35239681 PMCID: PMC8932558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-localization and co-transmission of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides is a core property of neural signaling across species. While co-transmission can increase the flexibility of cellular communication, understanding the functional impact on neural dynamics and behavior remains a major challenge. Here we examine the role of neuropeptide/monoamine co-transmission in the orchestration of the C. elegans escape response. The tyraminergic RIM neurons, which coordinate distinct motor programs of the escape response, also co-express the neuropeptide encoding gene flp-18. We find that in response to a mechanical stimulus, flp-18 mutants have defects in locomotory arousal and head bending that facilitate the omega turn. We show that the induction of the escape response leads to the release of FLP-18 neuropeptides. FLP-18 modulates the escape response through the activation of the G-protein coupled receptor NPR-5. FLP-18 increases intracellular calcium levels in neck and body wall muscles to promote body bending. Our results show that FLP-18 and tyramine act in different tissues in both a complementary and antagonistic manner to control distinct motor programs during different phases of the C. elegans flight response. Our study reveals basic principles by which co-transmission of monoamines and neuropeptides orchestrate in arousal and behavior in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T. Florman
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Alkema
- Department of Neurobiology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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8
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Rahmani A, Chew YL. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory using Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurochem 2021; 159:417-451. [PMID: 34528252 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Learning is an essential biological process for survival since it facilitates behavioural plasticity in response to environmental changes. This process is mediated by a wide variety of genes, mostly expressed in the nervous system. Many studies have extensively explored the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This review will focus on the advances gained through the study of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans provides an excellent system to study learning because of its genetic tractability, in addition to its invariant, compact nervous system (~300 neurons) that is well-characterised at the structural level. Importantly, despite its compact nature, the nematode nervous system possesses a high level of conservation with mammalian systems. These features allow the study of genes within specific sensory-, inter- and motor neurons, facilitating the interrogation of signalling pathways that mediate learning via defined neural circuits. This review will detail how learning and memory can be studied in C. elegans through behavioural paradigms that target distinct sensory modalities. We will also summarise recent studies describing mechanisms through which key molecular and cellular pathways are proposed to affect associative and non-associative forms of learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aelon Rahmani
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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9
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Levi-Ferber M, Shalash R, Le-Thomas A, Salzberg Y, Shurgi M, Benichou JI, Ashkenazi A, Henis-Korenblit S. Neuronal regulated ire- 1-dependent mRNA decay controls germline differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2021; 10:65644. [PMID: 34477553 PMCID: PMC8416019 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular events that regulate cell pluripotency versus acquisition of differentiated somatic cell fate is fundamentally important. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrate that knockout of the germline-specific translation repressor gld-1 causes germ cells within tumorous gonads to form germline-derived teratoma. Previously we demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress enhances this phenotype to suppress germline tumor progression(Levi-Ferber et al., 2015). Here, we identify a neuronal circuit that non-autonomously suppresses germline differentiation and show that it communicates with the gonad via the neurotransmitter serotonin to limit somatic differentiation of the tumorous germline. ER stress controls this circuit through regulated inositol requiring enzyme-1 (IRE-1)-dependent mRNA decay of transcripts encoding the neuropeptide FLP-6. Depletion of FLP-6 disrupts the circuit’s integrity and hence its ability to prevent somatic-fate acquisition by germline tumor cells. Our findings reveal mechanistically how ER stress enhances ectopic germline differentiation and demonstrate that regulated Ire1-dependent decay can affect animal physiology by controlling a specific neuronal circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor Levi-Ferber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Rewayd Shalash
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Adrien Le-Thomas
- Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, United States
| | - Yehuda Salzberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maor Shurgi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Jennifer Ic Benichou
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Avi Ashkenazi
- Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, United States
| | - Sivan Henis-Korenblit
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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10
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Buzy A, Allain C, Harrington J, Lesuisse D, Mikol V, Bruhn DF, Maule AG, Guillemot JC. Peptidomics of Haemonchus contortus. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:10288-10305. [PMID: 34056183 PMCID: PMC8153747 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Haemonchus contortus (the barber's pole worm) is an endoparasite infecting wild and domesticated ruminants worldwide. Widespread anthelmintic resistance of H. contortus requires alternative strategies to control this parasite. Neuropeptide signaling represents a promising target for anthelmintic drugs. Identification and relative quantification of nematode neuropeptides are, therefore, required for the development of such therapeutic targets. In this work, we undertook the profiling of the whole H. contortus larvae at different stages for the direct sequencing of the neuropeptides expressed at low levels in these tissues. We set out a peptide extraction protocol and a peptidomic workflow to biochemically characterize bioactive peptides from both first-stage (L1) and third-stage larvae (L3) of H. contortus. This work led to the identification and quantification at the peptidomic level of more than 180 mature neuropeptides, including amidated and nonamidated peptides, arising from 55 precursors of H. contortus. The differential peptidomic approach provided evidence that both life stages express most FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) and neuropeptide-like proteins (NLPs). The H. contortus peptidome resource, established in this work, could add the discovery of neuropeptide system-targeting drugs for ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armelle Buzy
- Sanofi
R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - Camille Allain
- Sanofi
R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - John Harrington
- Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health, Duluth, Georgia 30096, United States
| | | | - Vincent Mikol
- Sanofi
R&D, 1 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 91385 Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | - David F. Bruhn
- Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health, Duluth, Georgia 30096, United States
| | - Aaron G. Maule
- School
of Biological Sciences, Queens’s
University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, U.K.
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11
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Miller HA, Dean ES, Pletcher SD, Leiser SF. Cell non-autonomous regulation of health and longevity. eLife 2020; 9:62659. [PMID: 33300870 PMCID: PMC7728442 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As the demographics of the modern world skew older, understanding and mitigating the effects of aging is increasingly important within biomedical research. Recent studies in model organisms demonstrate that the aging process is frequently modified by an organism’s ability to perceive and respond to changes in its environment. Many well-studied pathways that influence aging involve sensory cells, frequently neurons, that signal to peripheral tissues and promote survival during the presence of stress. Importantly, this activation of stress response pathways is often sufficient to improve health and longevity even in the absence of stress. Here, we review the current landscape of research highlighting the importance of cell non-autonomous signaling in modulating aging from C. elegans to mammals. We also discuss emerging concepts including retrograde signaling, approaches to mapping these networks, and development of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary A Miller
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Elizabeth S Dean
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Scott D Pletcher
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Scott F Leiser
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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12
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Cook SJ, Crouse CM, Yemini E, Hall DH, Emmons SW, Hobert O. The connectome of the Caenorhabditis elegans pharynx. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2767-2784. [PMID: 32352566 PMCID: PMC7601127 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Detailed anatomical maps of individual organs and entire animals have served as invaluable entry points for ensuing dissection of their evolution, development, and function. The pharynx of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a simple neuromuscular organ with a self-contained, autonomously acting nervous system, composed of 20 neurons that fall into 14 anatomically distinct types. Using serial electron micrograph (EM) reconstruction, we re-evaluate here the connectome of the pharyngeal nervous system, providing a novel and more detailed view of its structure and predicted function. Contrasting the previous classification of pharyngeal neurons into distinct inter- and motor neuron classes, we provide evidence that most pharyngeal neurons are also likely sensory neurons and most, if not all, pharyngeal neurons also classify as motor neurons. Together with the extensive cross-connectivity among pharyngeal neurons, which is more widespread than previously realized, the sensory-motor characteristics of most neurons define a shallow network architecture of the pharyngeal connectome. Network analysis reveals that the patterns of neuronal connections are organized into putative computational modules that reflect the known functional domains of the pharynx. Compared with the somatic nervous system, pharyngeal neurons both physically associate with a larger fraction of their neighbors and create synapses with a greater proportion of their neighbors. We speculate that the overall architecture of the pharyngeal nervous system may be reminiscent of the architecture of ancestral, primitive nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Cook
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10027
| | - Charles M. Crouse
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Eviatar Yemini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10027
| | - David H. Hall
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Scott W. Emmons
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10027
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13
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McCulloch KA, Zhou K, Jin Y. Neuronal transcriptome analyses reveal novel neuropeptide modulators of excitation and inhibition imbalance in C. elegans. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233991. [PMID: 32497060 PMCID: PMC7272019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are secreted molecules that have conserved roles modulating many processes, including mood, reproduction, and feeding. Dysregulation of neuropeptide signaling is also implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy. However, much is unknown about the mechanisms regulating specific neuropeptides to mediate behavior. Here, we report that the expression levels of dozens of neuropeptides are up-regulated in response to circuit activity imbalance in C. elegans. acr-2 encodes a homolog of human nicotinic receptors, and functions in the cholinergic motoneurons. A hyperactive mutation, acr-2(gf), causes an activity imbalance in the motor circuit. We performed cell-type specific transcriptomic analysis and identified genes differentially expressed in acr-2(gf), compared to wild type. The most over-represented class of genes are neuropeptides, with insulin-like-peptides (ILPs) the most affected. Moreover, up-regulation of neuropeptides occurs in motoneurons, as well as sensory neurons. In particular, the induced expression of the ILP ins-29 occurs in the BAG neurons, which were previously shown to function in gas-sensing. We also show that this up-regulation of ins-29 in acr-2(gf) animals is activity-dependent. Our genetic and molecular analyses support cooperative effects for ILPs and other neuropeptides in promoting motor circuit activity in the acr-2(gf) background. Together, this data reveals that a major transcriptional response to motor circuit dysregulation is in up-regulation of multiple neuropeptides, and suggests that BAG sensory neurons can respond to intrinsic activity states to feedback on the motor circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. McCulloch
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Kingston Zhou
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Yishi Jin
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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14
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Bruno R, Maresca M, Canaan S, Cavalier JF, Mabrouk K, Boidin-Wichlacz C, Olleik H, Zeppilli D, Brodin P, Massol F, Jollivet D, Jung S, Tasiemski A. Worms' Antimicrobial Peptides. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17090512. [PMID: 31470685 PMCID: PMC6780910 DOI: 10.3390/md17090512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural antibiotics produced by all living organisms. In metazoans, they act as host defense factors by eliminating microbial pathogens. But they also help to select the colonizing bacterial symbionts while coping with specific environmental challenges. Although many AMPs share common structural characteristics, for example having an overall size between 10-100 amino acids, a net positive charge, a γ-core motif, or a high content of cysteines, they greatly differ in coding sequences as a consequence of multiple parallel evolution in the face of pathogens. The majority of AMPs is specific of certain taxa or even typifying species. This is especially the case of annelids (ringed worms). Even in regions with extreme environmental conditions (polar, hydrothermal, abyssal, polluted, etc.), worms have colonized all habitats on Earth and dominated in biomass most of them while co-occurring with a large number and variety of bacteria. This review surveys the different structures and functions of AMPs that have been so far encountered in annelids and nematodes. It highlights the wide diversity of AMP primary structures and their originality that presumably mimics the highly diverse life styles and ecology of worms. From the unique system that represents marine annelids, we have studied the effect of abiotic pressures on the selection of AMPs and demonstrated the promising sources of antibiotics that they could constitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Bruno
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Marc Maresca
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, iSm2, F-13013 Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Canaan
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | | | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, UMR7273, ICR, F-13013Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boidin-Wichlacz
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hamza Olleik
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, iSm2, F-13013 Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Zeppilli
- IFREMER Centre Brest REM/EEP/LEP, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS10070, F-29280Plouzané, France
| | - Priscille Brodin
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - François Massol
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Didier Jollivet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier CS90074, F-29688 Roscoff, France
| | - Sascha Jung
- Department of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aurélie Tasiemski
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8198 - Evo-Eco-Paleo, F-59000 Lille, France.
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15
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Chew YL, Grundy LJ, Brown AEX, Beets I, Schafer WR. Neuropeptides encoded by nlp-49 modulate locomotion, arousal and egg-laying behaviours in Caenorhabditis elegans via the receptor SEB-3. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20170368. [PMID: 30201834 PMCID: PMC6158228 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide signalling has been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes in diverse organisms, from invertebrates to humans. The Caenorhabditis elegans genome has at least 154 neuropeptide precursor genes, encoding over 300 bioactive peptides. These neuromodulators are thought to largely signal beyond 'wired' chemical/electrical synapse connections, therefore creating a 'wireless' network for neuronal communication. Here, we investigated how behavioural states are affected by neuropeptide signalling through the G protein-coupled receptor SEB-3, which belongs to a bilaterian family of orphan secretin receptors. Using reverse pharmacology, we identified the neuropeptide NLP-49 as a ligand of this evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide receptor. Our findings demonstrate novel roles for NLP-49 and SEB-3 in locomotion, arousal and egg-laying. Specifically, high-content analysis of locomotor behaviour indicates that seb-3 and nlp-49 deletion mutants cause remarkably similar abnormalities in movement dynamics, which are reversed by overexpression of wild-type transgenes. Overexpression of NLP-49 in AVK interneurons leads to heightened locomotor arousal, an effect that is dependent on seb-3. Finally, seb-3 and nlp-49 mutants also show constitutive egg-laying in liquid medium and alter the temporal pattern of egg-laying in similar ways. Together, these results provide in vivo evidence that NLP-49 peptides act through SEB-3 to modulate behaviour, and highlight the importance of neuropeptide signalling in the control of behavioural states.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Connectome to behaviour: modelling C. elegans at cellular resolution'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Lian Chew
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Laura J Grundy
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - André E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London W12 0NN, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Isabel Beets
- Cell Biology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - William R Schafer
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
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16
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Cropper EC, Jing J, Vilim FS, Barry MA, Weiss KR. Multifaceted Expression of Peptidergic Modulation in the Feeding System of Aplysia. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1917-1927. [PMID: 29309115 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are present in species throughout the animal kingdom and generally exert actions that are distinct from those of small molecule transmitters. It has, therefore, been of interest to define the unique behavioral role of this class of substances. Progress in this regard has been made in experimentally advantageous invertebrate preparations. We focus on one such system, the feeding circuit in the mollusc Aplysia. We review research conducted over several decades that played an important role in establishing that peptide cotransmitters are released under behaviorally relevant conditions. We describe how this was accomplished. For example, we describe techniques developed to purify novel peptides, localize them to identified neurons, and detect endogenous peptide release. We also describe physiological experiments that demonstrated that peptides are bioactive under behaviorally relevant conditions. The feeding system is like others in that peptides exert effects that are both convergent and divergent. Work in the feeding system clearly illustrates how this creates potential for behavioral flexibility. Finally, we discuss experiments that determined physiological consequences of one of the hallmark features of peptidergic modulation, its persistence. Research in the feeding system demonstrated that this persistence can change network state and play an important role in determining network output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Cropper
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jing
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Ferdinand S. Vilim
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Michael A. Barry
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Klaudiusz R. Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, United States
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17
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Li Y, Li W, Li R, Xie X, Wang S, Hu X, Zhang L, Bao Z. Identification and Characterization of Neuropeptides by Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses in a Bivalve Mollusc Patinopecten yessoensis. Front Genet 2018; 9:197. [PMID: 29922332 PMCID: PMC5996578 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides play essential roles in regulation of reproduction and growth in marine molluscs. But their function in marine bivalves – a group of animals of commercial importance – is largely unexplored due to the lack of systematic identification of these molecules. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the transcriptome of nerve ganglia of Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis, from which 63 neuropeptide genes were identified based on BLAST and de novo prediction approaches, and 31 were confirmed by proteomic analysis using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fifty genes encode known neuropeptide precursors, of which 20 commonly exist in bilaterians and 30 are protostome specific. Three neuropeptides that have not yet been reported in bivalves were identified, including calcitonin/DH31, lymnokinin and pleurin. Characterization of glycoprotein hormones, insulin-like peptides, allatostatins, RFamides, and some reproduction, cardioactivity or feeding related neuropeptides reveals scallop neuropeptides have conserved molluscan neuropeptide domains, but some (e.g., GPB5, APGWamide and ELH) are characterized with bivalve-specific features. Thirteen potentially novel neuropeptides were identified, including 10 that may also exist in other protostomes, and 3 (GNamide, LRYamide, and Vamide) that may be scallop specific. In addition, we found neuropeptides potentially related to scallop shell growth and eye functioning. This study represents the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptides in scallop, and would contribute to a complete understanding on the roles of various neuropeptides in endocrine regulation in bivalve molluscs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yangfan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yangping Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Wanru Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruojiao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinran Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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18
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Hussey R, Littlejohn NK, Witham E, Vanstrum E, Mesgarzadeh J, Ratanpal H, Srinivasan S. Oxygen-sensing neurons reciprocally regulate peripheral lipid metabolism via neuropeptide signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007305. [PMID: 29579048 PMCID: PMC5886693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which the sensory environment influences metabolic homeostasis remains poorly understood. In this report, we show that oxygen, a potent environmental signal, is an important regulator of whole body lipid metabolism. C. elegans oxygen-sensing neurons reciprocally regulate peripheral lipid metabolism under normoxia in the following way: under high oxygen and food absence, URX sensory neurons are activated, and stimulate fat loss in the intestine, the major metabolic organ for C. elegans. Under lower oxygen conditions or when food is present, the BAG sensory neurons respond by repressing the resting properties of the URX neurons. A genetic screen to identify modulators of this effect led to the identification of a BAG-neuron-specific neuropeptide called FLP-17, whose cognate receptor EGL-6 functions in URX neurons. Thus, BAG sensory neurons counterbalance the metabolic effect of tonically active URX neurons via neuropeptide communication. The combined regulatory actions of these neurons serve to precisely tune the rate and extent of fat loss to the availability of food and oxygen, and provides an interesting example of the myriad mechanisms underlying homeostatic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Hussey
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicole K. Littlejohn
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Emily Witham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Erik Vanstrum
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jaleh Mesgarzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Harkaranveer Ratanpal
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Supriya Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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19
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Elphick MR, Mirabeau O, Larhammar D. Evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151092. [PMID: 29440283 PMCID: PMC5818035 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are a diverse class of neuronal signalling molecules that regulate physiological processes and behaviour in animals. However, determining the relationships and evolutionary origins of the heterogeneous assemblage of neuropeptides identified in a range of phyla has presented a huge challenge for comparative physiologists. Here, we review revolutionary insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling that have been obtained recently through comparative analysis of genome/transcriptome sequence data and by ‘deorphanisation’ of neuropeptide receptors. The evolutionary origins of at least 30 neuropeptide signalling systems have been traced to the common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. Furthermore, two rounds of genome duplication gave rise to an expanded repertoire of neuropeptide signalling systems in the vertebrate lineage, enabling neofunctionalisation and/or subfunctionalisation, but with lineage-specific gene loss and/or additional gene or genome duplications generating complex patterns in the phylogenetic distribution of paralogous neuropeptide signalling systems. We are entering a new era in neuropeptide research where it has become feasible to compare the physiological roles of orthologous and paralogous neuropeptides in a wide range of phyla. Moreover, the ambitious mission to reconstruct the evolution of neuropeptide function in the animal kingdom now represents a tangible challenge for the future. Summary: A review of the revolutionary advances in our knowledge of the evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems that have been enabled by comparative genomics and neuropeptide receptor deorphanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, Institut Curie, INSERM U830, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Dan Larhammar
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Xu D, Gao Y, Guo L, Lin C, Sun Y. Effect of dys-1 mutation on gene expression profile in space-flown Caenorhabditis elegans. Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:114-122. [PMID: 29346705 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dystrophin-like dys-1 gene expression increases in the body wall muscles of Caenorhabditis elegans after spaceflight (SF). Here we used a dys-1(cx18) mutant to analyze the molecular adaptive responses of C. elegans to SF. METHODS DNA microarrays were performed to identify differentially expressed genes between wild-type (WT) and dys-1 mutant worms after SF. We performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses, predicted human diseases, and screened out key genes for human muscle diseases with NextBio. RESULTS Gene expression was less affected by SF in the dys-1 mutant than in the WT worms. The dys-1 mutation influenced neuromuscular gene expression (neuropeptide genes, muscle-related genes, and dystrophin-related genes) under SF conditions, among which 15 genes were specifically regulated by dys-1. NextBio analysis predicted that cdka-1, lev-11, unc-27, and unc-94 genes might play critical roles in muscle atrophy. DISCUSSION dys-1 Potentially regulates the neuromuscular system in space. Muscle Nerve, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1 Dalian, 116026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Gao
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1 Dalian, 116026, People's Republic of China
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Guo
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1 Dalian, 116026, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenggang Lin
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1 Dalian, 116026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yeqing Sun
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1 Dalian, 116026, People's Republic of China
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21
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Van Bael S, Edwards SL, Husson SJ, Temmerman L. Identification of Endogenous Neuropeptides in the Nematode C. elegans Using Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1719:271-291. [PMID: 29476518 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7537-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans lends itself as an excellent model organism for peptidomics studies. Its ease of cultivation and quick generation time make it suitable for high-throughput studies. Adult hermaphrodites contain 959 somatic nuclei that are ordered in defined, differentiated tissues. The nervous system, with its 302 neurons, is probably the most known and studied endocrine tissue. Moreover, its neuropeptidergic signaling pathways display a large number of similarities with those observed in other metazoans. However, various other tissues have also been shown to express several neuropeptides. This includes the hypodermis, gonad, gut, and even muscle. Hence, whole mount peptidomics of C. elegans cultures provides an integral overview of peptidergic signaling between the different tissues of the entire organism. Here, we describe a peptidomics approach used for the identification of endogenous (neuro)peptides in C. elegans. Starting from a detailed peptide extraction procedure, we will outline the setup for an online liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and describe subsequent data analysis approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Van Bael
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Naamsestraat 59 box 2456, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samantha L Edwards
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Naamsestraat 59 box 2456, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven J Husson
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, G.U.758, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Temmerman
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Naamsestraat 59 box 2456, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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22
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Yang D, Chen C, Liu Q, Jian H. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-parasitic transcriptomes and mining pioneer effectors of Heterodera avenae. Cell Biosci 2017; 7:11. [PMID: 28289537 PMCID: PMC5309974 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-017-0138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cereal cyst nematode (CCN, Heterodera avenae) is a devastating pathogen of wheat and barley crops in many countries. We aimed to prioritize genetic and molecular targets for H. avenae control via the powerful and integrative bioinformatics platform. RESULTS Here, we sequenced mRNA isolated from Chinese H. avenae at pre-parasitic (consisting of egg, J1 and hatched-J2) stages and post-parasitic (consisting of parasitic-J2, J3, J4 and adults) stages. Total 1,066,719 reads of whole life cycle transcriptomes were assembled into 10,811 contigs with N50 length of 1754 bp and 71,401 singletons. Comparative analyses of orthologous among H. avenae and 7 other nematodes with various life-styles revealed the significance and peculiarity of neurological system for sedentary phytonematode. KEGG pathway enrichment demonstrated active crosstalk events of nervous system at pre-parasitic stages, and 6 FMRFamide-like neuropeptides were verified to display an expression peak at the hatched-J2 stage in H. avenae. Furthermore, multiple approaches were undertaken to mine putative effectors and parasitism-specific genes. Notably, H. avenae might represent the first phytonematode reported to possess the pioneer effectors with RxLR motif and potential effectors with homologies to Ant-5/Ant-34. CONCLUSION Our work provides valuable resources for in-depth understanding the parasitism and pathogenicity of H. avenae, as well as developing new targets-oriented strategies on effective managements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Changlong Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
- Institute of Crop Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Heng Jian
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
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Control of Neuropeptide Expression by Parallel Activity-dependent Pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:38734. [PMID: 28139692 PMCID: PMC5282578 DOI: 10.1038/srep38734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of neuronal activity within circuits facilitates integrated responses and rapid changes in behavior. We have identified a system in Caenorhabditis elegans where neuropeptide expression is dependent on the ability of the BAG neurons to sense carbon dioxide. In C. elegans, CO2 sensing is predominantly coordinated by the BAG-expressed receptor-type guanylate cyclase GCY-9. GCY-9 binding to CO2 causes accumulation of cyclic GMP and opening of the cGMP-gated TAX-2/TAX-4 cation channels; provoking an integrated downstream cascade that enables C. elegans to avoid high CO2. Here we show that cGMP regulation by GCY-9 and the PDE-1 phosphodiesterase controls BAG expression of a FMRFamide-related neuropeptide FLP-19 reporter (flp-19::GFP). This regulation is specific for CO2-sensing function of the BAG neurons, as loss of oxygen sensing function does not affect flp-19::GFP expression. We also found that expression of flp-19::GFP is controlled in parallel to GCY-9 by the activity-dependent transcription factor CREB (CRH-1) and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (KIN-2) signaling pathway. We therefore show that two parallel pathways regulate neuropeptide gene expression in the BAG sensory neurons: the ability to sense changes in carbon dioxide and CREB transcription factor. Such regulation may be required in particular environmental conditions to enable sophisticated behavioral decisions to be performed.
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24
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Neuropeptide signals cell non-autonomous mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Cell Res 2016; 26:1182-1196. [PMID: 27767096 PMCID: PMC5099867 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2016.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons have a central role in the systemic coordination of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and the cell non-autonomous modulation of longevity. However, the mechanism by which the nervous system senses mitochondrial stress and communicates to the distal tissues to induce UPRmt remains unclear. Here we employ the tissue-specific CRISPR-Cas9 approach to disrupt mitochondrial function only in the nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans, and reveal a cell non-autonomous induction of UPRmt in peripheral cells. We further show that a neural sub-circuit composed of three types of sensory neurons, and one interneuron is required for sensing and transducing neuronal mitochondrial stress. In addition, neuropeptide FLP-2 functions in this neural sub-circuit to signal the non-autonomous UPRmt. Taken together, our results suggest a neuropeptide coordination of mitochondrial stress response in the nervous system.
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25
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Li X, Yang D, Niu J, Zhao J, Jian H. De Novo Analysis of the Transcriptome of Meloidogyne enterolobii to Uncover Potential Target Genes for Biological Control. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1442. [PMID: 27598122 PMCID: PMC5037721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Meloidogyne enterolobii is one of the obligate biotrophic root-knot nematodes that has the ability to reproduce on many economically-important crops. We carried out de novo sequencing of the transcriptome of M. enterolobii using Roche GS FLX and obtained 408,663 good quality reads that were assembled into 8193 contigs and 31,860 singletons. We compared the transcripts in different nematodes that were potential targets for biological control. These included the transcripts that putatively coded for CAZymes, kinases, neuropeptide genes and secretory proteins and those that were involved in the RNAi pathway and immune signaling. Typically, 75 non-membrane secretory proteins with signal peptides secreted from esophageal gland cells were identified as putative effectors, three of which were preliminarily examined using a PVX (pGR107)-based high-throughput transient plant expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana). Results showed that these candidate proteins suppressed the programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by the pro-apoptosis protein BAX, and one protein also caused necrosis, suggesting that they might suppress plant immune responses to promote pathogenicity. In conclusion, the current study provides comprehensive insight into the transcriptome of M. enterolobii for the first time and lays a foundation for further investigation and biological control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
- Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Junhai Niu
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou 571737, China.
- Hainan Engineering Technology Research Center for Tropical Ornamental Plant Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Danzhou 571737, China.
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Heng Jian
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Nath RD, Chow ES, Wang H, Schwarz EM, Sternberg PW. C. elegans Stress-Induced Sleep Emerges from the Collective Action of Multiple Neuropeptides. Curr Biol 2016; 26:2446-2455. [PMID: 27546573 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The genetic basis of sleep regulation remains poorly understood. In C. elegans, cellular stress induces sleep through epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent activation of the EGF receptor in the ALA neuron. The downstream mechanism by which this neuron promotes sleep is unknown. Single-cell RNA sequencing of ALA reveals that the most highly expressed, ALA-enriched genes encode neuropeptides. Here we have systematically investigated the four most highly enriched neuropeptides: flp-7, nlp-8, flp-24, and flp-13. When individually removed by null mutation, these peptides had little or no effect on stress-induced sleep. However, stress-induced sleep was abolished in nlp-8; flp-24; flp-13 triple-mutant animals, indicating that these neuropeptides work collectively in controlling stress-induced sleep. We tested the effect of overexpression of these neuropeptide genes on five behaviors modulated during sleep-pharyngeal pumping, defecation, locomotion, head movement, and avoidance response to an aversive stimulus-and we found that, if individually overexpressed, each of three neuropeptides (nlp-8, flp-24, or flp-13) induced a different suite of sleep-associated behaviors. These overexpression results raise the possibility that individual components of sleep might be specified by individual neuropeptides or combinations of neuropeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi D Nath
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA
| | - Elly S Chow
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA
| | - Han Wang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA
| | - Erich M Schwarz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology 351, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA.
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Turek M, Besseling J, Spies JP, König S, Bringmann H. Sleep-active neuron specification and sleep induction require FLP-11 neuropeptides to systemically induce sleep. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 26949257 PMCID: PMC4805538 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is an essential behavioral state. It is induced by conserved sleep-active neurons that express GABA. However, little is known about how sleep neuron function is determined and how sleep neurons change physiology and behavior systemically. Here, we investigated sleep in Caenorhabditis elegans, which is induced by the single sleep-active neuron RIS. We found that the transcription factor LIM-6, which specifies GABAergic function, in parallel determines sleep neuron function through the expression of APTF-1, which specifies the expression of FLP-11 neuropeptides. Surprisingly FLP-11, and not GABA, is the major component that determines the sleep-promoting function of RIS. FLP-11 is constantly expressed in RIS. At sleep onset RIS depolarizes and releases FLP-11 to induce a systemic sleep state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Turek
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Judith Besseling
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Sabine König
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henrik Bringmann
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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Somvanshi VS, Gahoi S, Banakar P, Thakur PK, Kumar M, Sajnani M, Pandey P, Rao U. A transcriptomic insight into the infective juvenile stage of the insect parasitic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:166. [PMID: 26931371 PMCID: PMC4774024 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2510-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nematodes are the most numerous animals in the soil. Insect parasitic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis are capable of selectively seeking, infecting and killing their insect-hosts in the soil. The infective juvenile (IJ) stage of the Heterorhabditis nematodes is analogous to Caenorhabditis elegans dauer juvenile stage, which remains in ‘arrested development’ till it finds and infects a new insect-host in the soil. H. indica is the most prevalent species of Heterorhabditis in India. To understand the genes and molecular processes that govern the biology of the IJ stage, and to create a resource to facilitate functional genomics and genetic exploration, we sequenced the transcriptome of H. indica IJs. Results The de-novo sequence assembly using Velvet-Oases pipeline resulted in 13,593 unique transcripts at N50 of 1,371 bp, of which 53 % were annotated by blastx. H. indica transcripts showed higher orthology with parasitic nematodes as compared to free living nematodes. In-silico expression analysis showed 30 % of transcripts expressing with ≥100 FPKM value. All the four canonical dauer formation pathways like cGMP-PKG, insulin, dafachronic acid and TGF-β were active in the IJ stage. Several other signaling pathways were highly represented in the transcriptome. Twenty-four orthologs of C. elegans RNAi pathway effector genes were discovered in H. indica, including nrde-3 that is reported for the first time in any of the parasitic nematodes. An ortholog of C. elegans tol-1 was also identified. Further, 272 kinases belonging to 137 groups, and several previously unidentified members of important gene classes were identified. Conclusions We generated high-quality transcriptome sequence data from H. indica IJs for the first time. The transcripts showed high similarity with the parasitic nematodes, M. hapla, and A. suum as opposed to C. elegans, a species to which H. indica is more closely related. The high representation of transcripts from several signaling pathways in the IJs indicates that despite being a developmentally arrested stage; IJs are a hotbed of signaling and are actively interacting with their environment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2510-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal S Somvanshi
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Shachi Gahoi
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Prakash Banakar
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Prasoon Kumar Thakur
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Manisha Sajnani
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Priyatama Pandey
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Lee KH, Aschner M. A Simple Light Stimulation of Caenorhabditis elegans. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN TOXICOLOGY 2016; 67:11.21.1-11.21.5. [PMID: 26828328 PMCID: PMC4747329 DOI: 10.1002/0471140856.tx1121s67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Response via noxious stimulus can be an important indicator of sensory neuron function and overall health of an organism. If the stimulation is quick and simple, and the animal can be rescued afterwards, such a method not only allows for assays pertaining to changed sensory ability after various treatments, but also increases the reliability of the statistical relationships that are established. This protocol demonstrates a stimulation assay in Caenorhabditis elegans, using blue light from common laboratory equipment: the fluorescent microscope. The nematode detects blue light using a set of amphid ciliary sensory neurons, and blue light is detrimental to its overall health after a prolonged exposure. However, under brief exposure, blue light stimulation provides a rapid and easy method for quantifying sensory functions and health without harming the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun He Lee
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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30
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Nelson MD, Janssen T, York N, Lee KH, Schoofs L, Raizen DM. FRPR-4 Is a G-Protein Coupled Neuropeptide Receptor That Regulates Behavioral Quiescence and Posture in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142938. [PMID: 26571132 PMCID: PMC4646455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides signal through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to regulate a broad array of animal behaviors and physiological processes. The Caenorhabditis elegans genome encodes approximately 100 predicted neuropeptide receptor GPCRs, but in vivo roles for only a few have been identified. We describe here a role for the GPCR FRPR-4 in the regulation of behavioral quiescence and locomotive posture. FRPR-4 is activated in cell culture by several neuropeptides with an amidated isoleucine-arginine-phenylalanine (IRF) motif or an amidated valine-arginine-phenylalanine (VRF) motif at their carboxy termini, including those encoded by the gene flp-13. Loss of frpr-4 function results in a minor feeding quiescence defect after heat-induced cellular stress. Overexpression of frpr-4 induces quiescence of locomotion and feeding as well as an exaggerated body bend posture. The exaggerated body bend posture requires the gene flp-13. While frpr-4 is expressed broadly, selective overexpression of frpr-4 in the proprioceptive DVA neurons results in exaggerated body bends that require flp-13 in the ALA neuron. Our results suggest that FLP-13 and other neuropeptides signal through FRPR-4 and other receptors to regulate locomotion posture and behavioral quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.,Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tom Janssen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics lab, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neil York
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kun He Lee
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics lab, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David M Raizen
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Dallière N, Bhatla N, Luedtke Z, Ma DK, Woolman J, Walker RJ, Holden-Dye L, O'Connor V. Multiple excitatory and inhibitory neural signals converge to fine-tune Caenorhabditis elegans feeding to food availability. FASEB J 2015; 30:836-48. [PMID: 26514165 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-279257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
How an animal matches feeding to food availability is a key question for energy homeostasis. We addressed this in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which couples feeding to the presence of its food (bacteria) by regulating pharyngeal activity (pumping). We scored pumping in the presence of food and over an extended time course of food deprivation in wild-type and mutant worms to determine the neural substrates of adaptive behavior. Removal of food initially suppressed pumping but after 2 h this was accompanied by intermittent periods of high activity. We show pumping is fine-tuned by context-specific neural mechanisms and highlight a key role for inhibitory glutamatergic and excitatory cholinergic/peptidergic drives in the absence of food. Additionally, the synaptic protein UNC-31 [calcium-activated protein for secretion (CAPS)] acts through an inhibitory pathway not explained by previously identified contributions of UNC-31/CAPS to neuropeptide or glutamate transmission. Pumping was unaffected by laser ablation of connectivity between the pharyngeal and central nervous system indicating signals are either humoral or intrinsic to the enteric system. This framework in which control is mediated through finely tuned excitatory and inhibitory drives resonates with mammalian hypothalamic control of feeding and suggests that fundamental regulation of this basic animal behavior may be conserved through evolution from nematode to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dallière
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nikhil Bhatla
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zara Luedtke
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dengke K Ma
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan Woolman
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert J Walker
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- *Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Chang YJ, Burton T, Ha L, Huang Z, Olajubelo A, Li C. Modulation of Locomotion and Reproduction by FLP Neuropeptides in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135164. [PMID: 26406995 PMCID: PMC4583311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides function in animals to modulate most, if not all, complex behaviors. In invertebrates, neuropeptides can function as the primary neurotransmitter of a neuron, but more generally they co-localize with a small molecule neurotransmitter, as is commonly seen in vertebrates. Because a single neuron can express multiple neuropeptides and because neuropeptides can bind to multiple G protein-coupled receptors, neuropeptide actions increase the complexity by which the neural connectome can be activated or inhibited. Humans are estimated to have 90 plus neuropeptide genes; by contrast, nematodes, a relatively simple organism, have a slightly larger complement of neuropeptide genes. For instance, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has over 100 neuropeptide-encoding genes, of which at least 31 genes encode peptides of the FMRFamide family. To understand the function of this large FMRFamide peptide family, we isolated knockouts of different FMRFamide-encoding genes and generated transgenic animals in which the peptides are overexpressed. We assayed these animals on two basic behaviors: locomotion and reproduction. Modulating levels of different neuropeptides have strong as well as subtle effects on these behaviors. These data suggest that neuropeptides play critical roles in C. elegans to fine tune neural circuits controlling locomotion and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jung Chang
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
| | - Tina Burton
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
| | - Lawrence Ha
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
| | - Zi Huang
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
| | - Adewale Olajubelo
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
| | - Chris Li
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tilleman L, Germani F, De Henau S, Helbo S, Desmet F, Berghmans H, Van Doorslaer S, Hoogewijs D, Schoofs L, Braeckman BP, Moens L, Fago A, Dewilde S. A globin domain in a neuronal transmembrane receptor of Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum: molecular modeling and functional properties. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:10336-52. [PMID: 25666609 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.576520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the structural and biochemical characterization of GLB-33, a putative neuropeptide receptor that is exclusively expressed in the nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This unique chimeric protein is composed of a 7-transmembrane domain (7TM), GLB-33 7TM, typical of a G-protein-coupled receptor, and of a globin domain (GD), GLB-33 GD. Comprehensive sequence similarity searches in the genome of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum, revealed a chimeric protein that is similar to a Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide neuropeptide receptor. The three-dimensional structures of the separate domains of both species and of the full-length proteins were modeled. The 7TM domains of both proteins appeared very similar, but the globin domain of the A. suum receptor surprisingly seemed to lack several helices, suggesting a novel truncated globin fold. The globin domain of C. elegans GLB-33, however, was very similar to a genuine myoglobin-type molecule. Spectroscopic analysis of the recombinant GLB-33 GD showed that the heme is pentacoordinate when ferrous and in the hydroxide-ligated form when ferric, even at neutral pH. Flash-photolysis experiments showed overall fast biphasic CO rebinding kinetics. In its ferrous deoxy form, GLB-33 GD is capable of reversibly binding O2 with a very high affinity and of reducing nitrite to nitric oxide faster than other globins. Collectively, these properties suggest that the globin domain of GLB-33 may serve as a highly sensitive oxygen sensor and/or as a nitrite reductase. Both properties are potentially able to modulate the neuropeptide sensitivity of the neuronal transmembrane receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sasha De Henau
- the Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Signe Helbo
- the Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Filip Desmet
- Physics, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - David Hoogewijs
- the Institute of Physiology and Zürich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland, Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany, and
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- the Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart P Braeckman
- the Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Moens
- From the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and
| | - Angela Fago
- the Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Mechanosensory molecules and circuits in C. elegans. Pflugers Arch 2014; 467:39-48. [PMID: 25053538 PMCID: PMC4281349 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensory neurons, whose activity is controlled by mechanical force, underlie the senses of touch, hearing, and proprioception, yet despite their importance, the molecular basis of mechanotransduction is poorly understood. Genetic studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have provided a useful approach for identifying potential components of mechanotransduction complexes that might be conserved in more complex organisms. This review describes the mechanosensory systems of C. elegans, including the sensory neurons and circuitry involved in body touch, nose touch, and proprioception. In addition, the roles of genes encoding known and potential mechanosensory receptors, including members of the broadly conserved transient receptor potential (TRP) and degerin/epithelial Na+ channel (DEG/ENaC) channel families, are discussed.
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Husson SJ, Reumer A, Temmerman L, De Haes W, Schoofs L, Mertens I, Baggerman G. Worm peptidomics. EUPA OPEN PROTEOMICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euprot.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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De novo transcriptome sequencing and analysis of the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96311. [PMID: 24802510 PMCID: PMC4011697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cereal cyst nematode (CCN, Heterodera avenae) is a major pest of wheat (Triticum spp) that reduces crop yields in many countries. Cyst nematodes are obligate sedentary endoparasites that reproduce by amphimixis. Here, we report the first transcriptome analysis of two stages of H. avenae. After sequencing extracted RNA from pre parasitic infective juvenile and adult stages of the life cycle, 131 million Illumina high quality paired end reads were obtained which generated 27,765 contigs with N50 of 1,028 base pairs, of which 10,452 were annotated. Comparative analyses were undertaken to evaluate H. avenae sequences with those of other plant, animal and free living nematodes to identify differences in expressed genes. There were 4,431 transcripts common to H. avenae and the free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and 9,462 in common with more closely related potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida. Annotation of H. avenae carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZy) revealed fewer glycoside hydrolases (GHs) but more glycosyl transferases (GTs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs) when compared to M. incognita. 1,280 transcripts were found to have secretory signature, presence of signal peptide and absence of transmembrane. In a comparison of genes expressed in the pre-parasitic juvenile and feeding female stages, expression levels of 30 genes with high RPKM (reads per base per kilo million) value, were analysed by qRT-PCR which confirmed the observed differences in their levels of expression levels. In addition, we have also developed a user-friendly resource, Heterodera transcriptome database (HATdb) for public access of the data generated in this study. The new data provided on the transcriptome of H. avenae adds to the genetic resources available to study plant parasitic nematodes and provides an opportunity to seek new effectors that are specifically involved in the H. avenae-cereal host interaction.
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Wang F, Li D, Wang Z, Dong A, Liu L, Wang B, Chen Q, Liu X. Transcriptomic analysis of the rice white tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae). PLoS One 2014; 9:e91591. [PMID: 24637831 PMCID: PMC3956754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rice white tip nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi, a devastating nematode whose genome has not been sequenced, is distributed widely throughout almost all the rice-growing regions of the world. The aims of the present study were to define the transcriptome of A. besseyi and to identify parasite-related, mortality-related or host resistance-overcoming genes in this nematode. Methodology and Principal Findings Using Solexa/Illumina sequencing, we profiled the transcriptome of mixed-stage populations of A. besseyi. A total of 51,270 transcripts without gaps were produced based on high-quality clean reads. Of all the A. besseyi transcripts, 9,132 KEGG Orthology assignments were annotated. Carbohydrate-active enzymes of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), glycosyltransferases (GTs), carbohydrate esterases (CEs) and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) were identified. The presence of the A. besseyi GH45 cellulase gene was verified by in situ hybridization. Given that 13 unique A. besseyi potential effector genes were identified from 41 candidate effector homologs, further studies of these homologs are merited. Finally, comparative analyses were conducted between A. besseyi contigs and Caenorhabditis elegans genes to look for orthologs of RNAi phenotypes, neuropeptides and peptidases. Conclusions and Significance The present results provide comprehensive insight into the genetic makeup of A. besseyi. Many of this species' genes are parasite related, nematode mortality-related or necessary to overcome host resistance. The generated transcriptome dataset of A. besseyi reported here lays the foundation for further studies of the molecular mechanisms related to parasitism and facilitates the development of new control strategies for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Danlei Li
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Zhiying Wang
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Airong Dong
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Buyong Wang
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qiaoli Chen
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Burbach JPH, Grant P, Hellemons AJCGM, Degiorgis JA, Li KW, Pant HC. Differential expression of the FMRF gene in adult and hatchling stellate ganglia of the squid Loligo pealei. Biol Open 2014; 3:50-8. [PMID: 24326188 PMCID: PMC3892160 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20136890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant fiber system of the squid Loligo pealei mediates the escape response and is an important neurobiological model. Here, we identified an abundant transcript in the stellate ganglion (SG) that encodes a FMRFamide precursor, and characterized FMRFamide and FI/LRF-amide peptides. To determine whether FMRFamide plays a role in the adult and hatchling giant fiber system, we studied the expression of the Fmrf gene and FMRFamide peptides. In stage 29 embryos and stage 30 hatchlings, Ffmr transcripts and FMRFamide peptide were low to undetectable in the SG, in contrast to groups of neurons intensely expressing the Fmrf gene in several brain lobes, including those that innervate the SG. In the adult SG the Fmrf gene was highly expressed, but the FMRFamide peptide was in low abundance. Intense staining for FMRFamide in the adult SG was confined to microneurons and fibers in the neuropil and to small fibers surrounding giant axons in stellar nerves. This shows that the Fmrf gene in the SG is strongly regulated post-hatching, and suggests that the FMRFamide precursor is incompletely processed in the adult SG. The data suggest that the SG only employs the Fmrf gene post-hatching and restricts the biosynthesis of FMRFamide, demonstrating that this peptide is not a major transmitter of the giant fiber system. This contrasts with brain lobes that engage FMRFamide embryonically as a regulatory peptide in multiple neuronal systems, including the afferent fibers that innervate the SG. The biological significance of these mechanisms may be to generate diversity within Fmrf-expressing systems in cephalopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Aarnio V, Heikkinen L, Peltonen J, Goldsteins G, Lakso M, Wong G. Transcriptional profiling reveals differential expression of a neuropeptide-like protein and pseudogenes in aryl hydrocarbon receptor-1 mutant Caenorhabditis elegans. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2014; 9:40-8. [PMID: 24463456 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) functions in higher organisms in development, metabolism and toxic responses. Its Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) ortholog, AHR-1, facilitates neuronal development, growth and movement. We investigated the effect of AHR mutation on the transcriptional profile of L4 stage C. elegans using RNA-seq and quantitative real time PCR in order to understand better AHR-1 function at the genomic level. Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing yielded 51.1, 61.2 and 54.0 million reads from wild-type controls, ahr-1(ia03) and ahr-1(ju145) mutants, respectively, providing detection of over 18,000 transcripts in each sample. Fourteen transcripts were over-expressed and 125 under-expressed in both ahr-1 mutants when compared to wild-type. Under-expressed genes included soluble guanylate cyclase (gcy) family genes, some of which were previously demonstrated to be regulated by AHR-1. A neuropeptide-like protein gene, nlp-20, and a F-box domain protein gene fbxa-192 and its pseudogenes fbxa-191 and fbxa-193 were also under-expressed. Conserved xenobiotic response elements were identified in the 5' flanking regions of some but not all of the gcy, nlp-20, and fbxa genes. These results extend previous studies demonstrating control of gcy family gene expression by AHR-1, and furthermore suggest a role of AHR-1 in regulation of a neuropeptide gene as well as pseudogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuokko Aarnio
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Liisa Heikkinen
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Juhani Peltonen
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Gundars Goldsteins
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Research, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Merja Lakso
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Garry Wong
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Li C, Kim K. Family of FLP Peptides in Caenorhabditis elegans and Related Nematodes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:150. [PMID: 25352828 PMCID: PMC4196577 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides regulate all aspects of behavior in multicellular organisms. Because of their ability to act at long distances, neuropeptides can exert their effects beyond the conventional synaptic connections, thereby adding an intricate layer of complexity to the activity of neural networks. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a large number of neuropeptide genes that are expressed throughout the nervous system have been identified. The actions of these peptides supplement the synaptic connections of the 302 neurons, allowing for fine tuning of neural networks and increasing the ways in which behaviors can be regulated. In this review, we focus on a large family of genes encoding FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs). These genes, the flp genes, have been used as a starting point to identifying flp genes throughout Nematoda. Nematodes have the largest family of FaRPs described thus far. The challenges in the future are the elucidation of their functions and the identification of the receptors and signaling pathways through which they function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Li
- Department of Biology, City College of New York and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Chris Li, 160 Convent Avenue, MR526, New York, NY 10031, USA e-mail: ; Kyuhyung Kim, 333 Techno Jungang-Daero, Hyeonpung-Myeon, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu 711-873, South Korea e-mail:
| | - Kyuhyung Kim
- Department of Brain Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Chris Li, 160 Convent Avenue, MR526, New York, NY 10031, USA e-mail: ; Kyuhyung Kim, 333 Techno Jungang-Daero, Hyeonpung-Myeon, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu 711-873, South Korea e-mail:
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Papolu PK, Gantasala NP, Kamaraju D, Banakar P, Sreevathsa R, Rao U. Utility of host delivered RNAi of two FMRF amide like peptides, flp-14 and flp-18, for the management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80603. [PMID: 24223228 PMCID: PMC3819290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is an obligate sedentary endoparasite that infects a large number of crop species and causes substantial yield losses. Non-chemical based control strategies for these nematodes are gaining importance. In the present study, we have demonstrated the significance of two FMRFamide like peptide genes (flp-14 and flp-18) for infection and development of resistance to M. incognita through host-derived RNAi. The study demonstrated both in vitro and in planta validation of RNAi-induced silencing of the two genes cloned from J2 stage of M. incognita. In vitro silencing of both the genes interfered with nematode migration towards the host roots and subsequent invasion into the roots. Transgenic tobacco lines were developed with RNAi constructs of flp-14 and flp-18 and evaluated against M. incognita. The transformed plants did not show any visible phenotypic variations suggesting the absence of any off-target effects. Bioefficacy studies with deliberate challenging of M. incognita resulted in 50-80% reduction in infection and multiplication confirming the silencing effect. We have provided evidence for in vitro and in planta silencing of the genes by expression analysis using qRT-PCR. Thus the identified genes and the strategy can be used as a potential tool for the control of M. incognita. This is the first ever report that has revealed the utility of host delivered RNAi of flps to control M. incognita. The strategy can also be extended to other crops and nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Papolu
- Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Divya Kamaraju
- Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Prakash Banakar
- Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
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Jarecki JL, Viola IR, Andersen KM, Miller AH, Ramaker MA, Vestling MM, Stretton AO. Three independent techniques localize expression of transcript afp-11 and its bioactive peptide products to the paired AVK neurons in Ascaris suum: in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, and single cell mass spectrometry. ACS Chem Neurosci 2013; 4:418-34. [PMID: 23509978 DOI: 10.1021/cn3001334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We utilized three independent techniques, immunocytochemistry (ICC), single cell mass spectrometry (MS), and in situ hybridization (ISH), to localize neuropeptides and their transcripts in the nervous system of the nematode Ascaris suum . AF11 (SDIGISEPNFLRFa) is an endogenous peptide with potent paralytic effects on A. suum locomotory behavior. A highly specific antibody to AF11 showed robust immunostaining for AF11 in the paired AVK neurons in the ventral ganglion. We traced the processes from the AVK neurons into the ventral nerve cord and identified them as ventral cord interneurons. MS and MS/MS of single dissected AVKs detected AF11, two previously characterized peptides (AF25 and AF26), seven novel sequence-related peptides, including several sharing a PNFLRFamide C-terminus, and peptide NY, a peptide with an unrelated sequence. Also present in a subset of AVKs was AF2, a peptide encoded by the afp-4 transcript. By sequencing the afp-11 transcript, we discovered that it encodes AF11, all the AF11-related peptides detected by MS in AVK, and peptide NY. ISH detected the afp-11 transcript in AVK neurons, consistent with other techniques. ISH did not detect afp-11 in the ALA neuron, although both ICC and MS found AF11 in ca. 30% of ALAs. All 10 AF11-related peptides reduced acetylcholine-induced muscle contraction, but they differed in their rate of reversal of inhibition after removal of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Jarecki
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - India R. Viola
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - Kari M. Andersen
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - Andrew H. Miller
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - Megan A. Ramaker
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - Martha M. Vestling
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
| | - Antony O. Stretton
- Neuroscience Training
Program, ‡Department of Zoology, and §Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
53706, United States
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Rowe ML, Elphick MR. The neuropeptide transcriptome of a model echinoderm, the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 179:331-44. [PMID: 23026496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal secretion of peptide signaling molecules (neuropeptides) is an evolutionarily ancient feature of nervous systems. Here we report the identification of 20 cDNAs encoding putative neuropeptide precursors in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Phylum Echinodermata), providing new insights on the evolution and diversity of neuropeptides. Identification of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-like peptide precursor (SpGnRHP) is consistent with the widespread phylogenetic distribution of GnRH-type neuropeptides in the bilateria. A protein (SpTRHLP) comprising multiple copies of peptides that share structural similarity with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is the first TRH-like precursor to be identified in an invertebrate. SpCTLP is the first calcitonin-like peptide with two N-terminally located cysteine residues to be found in a non-chordate species. Discovery of two proteins (SpPPLNP1, SpPPLNP2) comprising homologs of molluscan pedal peptides and arthropod orcokinins indicates the existence of a bilaterian family of pedal peptide/orcokinin-type neuropeptides. Other proteins identified contain peptides that do not share apparent sequence similarity with known neuropeptides. These include Spnp5, which comprises multiple copies of C-terminally amidated peptides that have an N-terminal Ala-Asn motif (AN peptides), and Spnp9, Spnp10 and Spnp12, which contain putative neuropeptides with a C-terminal Phe-amide, Ser-amide or Pro-amide, respectively. Several proteins (Spnp11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20) contain putative neuropeptides with multiple cysteine residues (2, 6 or 8), which may mediate formation of intramolecular or intermolecular disulphide bridges. Looking ahead, the identification of these neuropeptide precursors in S. purpuratus has provided a strong basis for a comprehensive analysis of neuropeptide function in this model echinoderm species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Rowe
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Fukuyama M, Sakuma K, Park R, Kasuga H, Nagaya R, Atsumi Y, Shimomura Y, Takahashi S, Kajiho H, Rougvie A, Kontani K, Katada T. C. elegans AMPKs promote survival and arrest germline development during nutrient stress. Biol Open 2012; 1:929-36. [PMID: 23213370 PMCID: PMC3507181 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2012836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms controlling development, growth, and metabolism are coordinated in response to changes in environmental conditions, enhancing the likelihood of survival to reproductive maturity. Much remains to be learned about the molecular basis underlying environmental influences on these processes. C. elegans larvae enter a developmentally dormant state called L1 diapause when hatched into nutrient-poor conditions. The nematode pten homologue daf-18 is essential for maintenance of survival and germline stem cell quiescence during this period (Fukuyama et al., 2006; Sigmond et al., 2008), but the details of the signaling network(s) in which it functions remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that animals lacking both aak-1 and aak-2, which encode the two catalytic α subunits of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), show reduced viability and failure to maintain mitotic quiescence in germline stem cells during L1 diapause. Furthermore, failure to arrest germline proliferation has a long term consequence; aak double mutants that have experienced L1 diapause develop into sterile adults when returned to food, whereas their continuously fed siblings are fertile. Both aak and daf-18 appear to maintain germline quiescence by inhibiting activity of the common downstream target, TORC1 (TOR Complex 1). In contrast, rescue of the lethality phenotype indicates that aak-2 acts not only in the intestine, as does daf-18, but also in neurons, likely promoting survival by preventing energy deprivation during L1 diapause. These results not only provide evidence that AMPK contributes to survival during L1 diapause in a manner distinct from that by which it controls dauer diapause, but they also suggest that AMPK suppresses TORC1 activity to maintain stem cell quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Fukuyama
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo , 113-0033 , Japan ; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota , MN 55455 , USA
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Peeters L, Janssen T, De Haes W, Beets I, Meelkop E, Grant W, Schoofs L. A pharmacological study of NLP-12 neuropeptide signaling in free-living and parasitic nematodes. Peptides 2012; 34:82-7. [PMID: 22019590 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
NLP-12a and b have been identified as cholecystokinin/sulfakinin-like neuropeptides in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. They are suggested to play an important role in the regulation of digestive enzyme secretion and fat storage. This study reports on the identification and characterization of an NLP-12-like peptide precursor gene in the rat parasitic nematode Strongyloides ratti. The S. ratti NLP-12 peptides are able to activate both C. elegans CKR-2 receptor isoforms in a dose-dependent way with affinities in the same nanomolar range as the native C. elegans NLP-12 peptides. The C-terminal RPLQFamide sequence motif of the NLP-12 peptides is perfectly conserved between free-living and parasitic nematodes. Based on systemic amino acid replacements the Arg-, Leu- and Phe- residues appear to be critical for high-affinity receptor binding. Finally, a SAR analysis revealed the essential pharmacophore in C. elegans NLP-12b to be the pentapeptide RPLQFamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Peeters
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Lab, K.U.Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Belgium.
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de novo analysis and functional classification of the transcriptome of the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei, after 454 GS FLX sequencing. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:225-37. [PMID: 22309969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The migratory endoparasitic root lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei is a major pest of the cereals wheat and barley. In what we believe to be the first global transcriptome analysis for P. thornei, using Roche GS FLX sequencing, 787,275 reads were assembled into 34,312 contigs using two assembly programs, to yield 6,989 contigs common to both. These contigs were annotated, resulting in functional assignments for 3,048. Specific transcripts studied in more detail included carbohydrate active enzymes potentially involved in cell wall degradation, neuropeptides, putative plant nematode parasitism genes, and transcripts that could be secreted by the nematode. Transcripts for cell wall degrading enzymes were similar to bacterial genes, suggesting that they were acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Contigs matching 14 parasitism genes found in sedentary endoparasitic nematodes were identified. These genes are thought to function in suppression of host defenses and in feeding site development, but their function in P. thornei may differ. Comparison of the common contigs from P. thornei with other nematodes showed that 2,039 were common to sequences of the Heteroderidae, 1,947 to the Meloidogynidae, 1,218 to Radopholus similis, 1,209 matched expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of Pratylenchus penetrans and Pratylenchus vulnus, and 2,940 to contigs of Pratylenchus coffeae. There were 2,014 contigs common to Caenarhabditis elegans, with 15.9% being common to all three groups. Twelve percent of contigs with matches to the Heteroderidae and the Meloidogynidae had no homology to any C. elegans protein. Fifty-seven percent of the contigs did not match known sequences and some could be unique to P. thornei. These data provide substantial new information on the transcriptome of P. thornei, those genes common to migratory and sedentary endoparasitic nematodes, and provide additional understanding of genes required for different forms of parasitism. The data can also be used to identify potential genes to study host interactions and for crop protection.
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Sithigorngul P, Jarecki JL, Stretton AOW. A specific antibody to neuropeptide AF1 (KNEFIRFamide) recognizes a small subset of neurons in Ascaris suum: differences from Caenorhabditis elegans. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:1546-61. [PMID: 21452223 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody, AF1-003, highly specific to the Ascaris suum neuropeptide AF1 (KNEFIRFamide), was generated. This antibody binds strongly to AF1 and extremely weakly to other peptides with C-terminal FIRFamide: AF5 (SGKPTFIRFamide), AF6 (FIRFamide), and AF7 (AGPRFIRFamide). It does not recognize 35 other AF (A. suum FMRFamide-like) peptides at the highest concentration tested, nor does it recognize FMRFamide. When crude peptide extracts of A. suum are fractionated by two-step HPLC, the only fractions recognized by AF1-003 are those comigrating with synthetic AF1. By immunocytochemistry, antibody AF1-003 recognizes a small subset of the 298 neurons of A. suum: these include the paired URX and RIP neurons, two pairs of lateral ganglion neurons in the head, and the unpaired PQR and PDA or -B tail neurons that send processes to the head along the dorsal and ventral nerve cords, respectively. AF1 immunoreactivity is also seen in three pairs of pharyngeal neurons. Mass spectroscopy (MS) shows the presence of AF1 in the head, pharynx, and dorsal and ventral nerve cords. In A. suum, the neurons that contain AF1 show little overlap with neurons that express green fluorescent protein constructs targeting the flp-8 gene, which encodes AF1 in Caenorhabditis elegans (Kim and Li [2004] J. Comp. Neurol. 475:540-550); the URX neurons express AF1 in both species, but, in C. elegans, flp-8 expression was not detected in RIP, PQR, and PDA or -B or in the pharynx. Other, less specific monoclonal antibodies recognize AF1, as well as other peptides to differing degrees; these antibodies are useful reagents for determination of neuronal morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paisarn Sithigorngul
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Mousley A, Novozhilova E, Kimber MJ, Day TA. Neuropeptide physiology in helminths. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 692:78-97. [PMID: 21189675 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6902-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic worms come from two distinct, distant phyla, Nematoda (roundworms) and Platyhelminthes (flatworms). The nervous systems of worms from both phyla are replete with neuropeptides and there is ample physiological evidence that these neuropeptides control vital aspects of worm biology. In each phyla, the physiological evidence for critical roles for helminth neuropeptides is derived from both parasitic and free-living members. In the nematodes, the intestinal parasite Ascaris suum and the free-living Caenorhabditis elegans have yielded most of the data; in the platyhelminths, the most physiological data has come from the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) have many varied effects (excitation, relaxation, or a combination) on somatic musculature, reproductive musculature, the pharynx and motor neurons in nematodes. Insulin-like peptides (INSs) play an essential role in nematode dauer formation and other developmental processes. There is also some evidence for a role in somatic muscle control for the somewhat heterogeneous grouping ofpeptides known as neuropeptide-like proteins (NLPs). In platyhelminths, as in nematodes, FLPs have a central role in somatic muscle function. Reports of FLP physiological action in platyhelminths are limited to a potent excitation of the somatic musculature. Platyhelminths are also abundantly endowed with neuropeptide Fs (NPFs), which appear absent from nematodes. There is not yet any data linking platyhelminth NPF to any particular physiological outcome, but this neuropeptide does potently and specifically inhibit cAMP accumulation in schistosomes. In nematodes and platyhelminths, there is an abundance of physiological evidence demonstrating that neuropeptides play critical roles in the biology of both free-living and parasitic helminths. While it is certainly true that there remains a great deal to learn about the biology of neuropeptides in both phyla, physiological evidence presently available points to neuropeptidergic signaling as a very promising field from which to harvest future drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mousley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 2008 Veterinary Medicine Building, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-1250, USA
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Neuropeptide gene families in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 692:98-137. [PMID: 21189676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6902-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are short sequences ofamino acids that function in all multicellular organisms to communicate information between cells. The first sequence ofa neuropeptide was reported in 1970' and the number of identified neuropeptides remained relatively small until the 1990s when the DNA sequence of multiple genomes revealed treasure troves ofinformation. Byblasting away at the genome, gene families, the sizes ofwhich were previously unknown, could now be determined. This information has led to an exponential increase in the number of putative neuropeptides and their respective gene families. The molecular biology age greatly benefited the neuropeptide field in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Its genome was among the first to be sequenced and this allowed us the opportunity to screen the genome for neuropeptide genes. Initially, the screeningwas slow, as the Genefinder and BLAST programs had difficulty identifying small genes and peptides. However, as the bioinformatics programs improved, the extent of the neuropeptide gene families in C. elegans gradually emerged.
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Garrity PA, Goodman MB, Samuel AD, Sengupta P. Running hot and cold: behavioral strategies, neural circuits, and the molecular machinery for thermotaxis in C. elegans and Drosophila. Genes Dev 2010; 24:2365-82. [PMID: 21041406 PMCID: PMC2964747 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1953710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Like other ectotherms, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster rely on behavioral strategies to stabilize their body temperature. Both animals use specialized sensory neurons to detect small changes in temperature, and the activity of these thermosensors governs the neural circuits that control migration and accumulation at preferred temperatures. Despite these similarities, the underlying molecular, neuronal, and computational mechanisms responsible for thermotaxis are distinct in these organisms. Here, we discuss the role of thermosensation in the development and survival of C. elegans and Drosophila, and review the behavioral strategies, neuronal circuits, and molecular networks responsible for thermotaxis behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Garrity
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
- National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
| | - Miriam B. Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Aravinthan D. Samuel
- Department of Physics and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
- National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, USA
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