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Zhang S, Chu Q, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Mao X, Zhang M. Responses of Caenorhabditis elegans to various surface modifications of alumina nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:116335. [PMID: 33383418 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The surface modifications of nanoparticles (NPs), are well-recognized parameters that affect the toxicity, while there has no study on toxicity of Al2O3 NPs with different surface modification. Therefore, for the first time, this study pays attention to evaluating the toxicity and potential mechanism of pristine Al2O3 NPs (p-Al2O3), hydrophilic (w-Al2O3) and lipophilic (o-Al2O3) modifications of Al2O3 NPs both in vitro and in vivo. Applied concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80,100 and 200 μg/mL for 24 h exposure on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), while 100 μg/mL of Al2O3 NPs significantly decreased the survival rate. Using multiple toxicological endpoints, we found that o-Al2O3 NPs (100 μg/mL) could induce more severe toxicity than p-Al2O3 and w-Al2O3 NPs. After uptake by C. elegans, o-Al2O3 NPs increased the intestinal permeability, easily swallow and further destroy the intestinal membrane cells. Besides, cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that o-Al2O3 NPs (100 μg/mL) are more toxic than p-Al2O3 and w-Al2O3. Once inside the cell, o-Al2O3 NPs could attack mitochondria and induce the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which destroy the intracellular redox balance and lead to apoptosis. Furthermore, the transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR data also demonstrated that the toxicity of o-Al2O3 NPs is highly related to the damage of cell membrane and the imbalance of intracellular redox. Generally, our study has offered a comprehensive sight to the adverse effects of different surface modifications of Al2O3 NPs on environmental organisms and the possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Resource and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Administration for Market Regulation of Mengcheng County, Anhui province, 233500, PR China
| | - Yingfei Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resource and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiali Mao
- Institute of Soil and Water Resource and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingkui Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Water Resource and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
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Chen M, Talarovicova A, Zheng Y, Storey KB, Elphick MR. Neuropeptide precursors and neuropeptides in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: a genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8829. [PMID: 31222106 PMCID: PMC6586643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is a foodstuff with very high economic value in China, Japan and other countries in south-east Asia. It is at the heart of a multibillion-dollar industry and to meet demand for this product, aquaculture methods and facilities have been established. However, there are challenges associated with optimization of reproduction, feeding and growth in non-natural environments. Therefore, we need to learn more about the biology of A. japonicus, including processes such as aestivation, evisceration, regeneration and albinism. One of the major classes of molecules that regulate physiology and behaviour in animals are neuropeptides, and a few bioactive peptides have already been identified in A. japonicus. To facilitate more comprehensive investigations of neuropeptide function in A. japonicus, here we have analysed genomic and transcriptomic sequence data and proteomic data to identify neuropeptide precursors and neuropeptides in this species. We identified 44 transcripts encoding neuropeptide precursors or putative neuropeptide precursors, and in some instances neuropeptides derived from these precursors were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, analysis of genomic sequence data enabled identification of the location of neuropeptide precursor genes on genomic scaffolds and linkage groups (chromosomes) and determination of gene structure. Many of the precursors identified contain homologs of neuropeptides that have been identified in other bilaterian animals. Precursors of neuropeptides that have thus far only been identified in echinoderms were identified, including L- and F-type SALMFamides, AN peptides and others. Precursors of several peptides that act as modulators of neuromuscular activity in A. japonicus were also identified. The discovery of a large repertoire of neuropeptide precursors and neuropeptides provides a basis for experimental studies that investigate the physiological roles of neuropeptide signaling systems in A. japonicus. Looking ahead, some of these neuropeptides may have effects that could be harnessed to enable improvements in the aquaculture of this economically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR, China.
| | - Alzbeta Talarovicova
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Yingqiu Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR, China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
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McCloskey RJ, Fouad AD, Churgin MA, Fang-Yen C. Food responsiveness regulates episodic behavioral states in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:1911-1934. [PMID: 28228583 PMCID: PMC5411472 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00555.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals optimize survival and reproduction in part through control of behavioral states, which depend on an organism's internal and external environments. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans a variety of behavioral states have been described, including roaming, dwelling, quiescence, and episodic swimming. These states have been considered in isolation under varied experimental conditions, making it difficult to establish a unified picture of how they are regulated. Using long-term imaging, we examined C. elegans episodic behavioral states under varied mechanical and nutritional environments. We found that animals alternate between high-activity (active) and low-activity (sedentary) episodes in any mechanical environment, while the incidence of episodes and their behavioral composition depend on food levels. During active episodes, worms primarily roam, as characterized by continuous whole body movement. During sedentary episodes, animals exhibit dwelling (slower movements confined to the anterior half of the body) and quiescence (a complete lack of movement). Roaming, dwelling, and quiescent states are manifest not only through locomotory characteristics but also in pharyngeal pumping (feeding) and in egg-laying behaviors. Next, we analyzed the genetic basis of behavioral states. We found that modulation of behavioral states depends on neuropeptides and insulin-like signaling in the nervous system. Sensory neurons and the Foraging homolog EGL-4 regulate behavior through control of active/sedentary episodes. Optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons induced dwelling, implicating dopamine as a dwell-promoting neurotransmitter. Our findings provide a more unified description of behavioral states and suggest that perception of nutrition is a conserved mechanism for regulating animal behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY One strategy by which animals adapt to their internal states and external environments is by adopting behavioral states. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans is an attractive model for investigating how behavioral states are genetically and neuronally controlled. Here we describe the hierarchical organization of behavioral states characterized by locomotory activity, feeding, and egg-laying. We show that decisions to engage in these behaviors are controlled by the nervous system through insulin-like signaling and the perception of food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J McCloskey
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Anthony D Fouad
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Matthew A Churgin
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Christopher Fang-Yen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Schwarz RF, Branicky R, Grundy LJ, Schafer WR, Brown AEX. Changes in Postural Syntax Characterize Sensory Modulation and Natural Variation of C. elegans Locomotion. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004322. [PMID: 26295152 PMCID: PMC4546679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is driven by shape changes coordinated by the nervous system through time; thus, enumerating an animal's complete repertoire of shape transitions would provide a basis for a comprehensive understanding of locomotor behaviour. Here we introduce a discrete representation of behaviour in the nematode C. elegans. At each point in time, the worm's posture is approximated by its closest matching template from a set of 90 postures and locomotion is represented as sequences of postures. The frequency distribution of postural sequences is heavy-tailed with a core of frequent behaviours and a much larger set of rarely used behaviours. Responses to optogenetic and environmental stimuli can be quantified as changes in postural syntax: worms show different preferences for different sequences of postures drawn from the same set of templates. A discrete representation of behaviour will enable the use of methods developed for other kinds of discrete data in bioinformatics and language processing to be harnessed for the study of behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robyn Branicky
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura J. Grundy
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - André E. X. Brown
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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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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Kroetz SM, Srinivasan J, Yaghoobian J, Sternberg PW, Hong RL. The cGMP signaling pathway affects feeding behavior in the necromenic nematode Pristionchus pacificus. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34464. [PMID: 22563372 PMCID: PMC3338501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic tractability and the species-specific association with beetles make the nematode Pristionchus pacificus an exciting emerging model organism for comparative studies in development and behavior. P. pacificus differs from Caenorhabditis elegans (a bacterial feeder) by its buccal teeth and the lack of pharyngeal grinders, but almost nothing is known about which genes coordinate P. pacificus feeding behaviors, such as pharyngeal pumping rate, locomotion, and fat storage. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed P. pacificus pharyngeal pumping rate and locomotion behavior on and off food, as well as on different species of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Caulobacter crescentus). We found that the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) Ppa-EGL-4 in P. pacificus plays an important role in regulating the pumping rate, mouth form dimorphism, the duration of forward locomotion, and the amount of fat stored in intestine. In addition, Ppa-EGL-4 interacts with Ppa-OBI-1, a recently identified protein involved in chemosensation, to influence feeding and locomotion behavior. We also found that C. crescentus NA1000 increased pharyngeal pumping as well as fat storage in P. pacificus. Conclusions The PKG EGL-4 has conserved functions in regulating feeding behavior in both C. elegans and P. pacificus nematodes. The Ppa-EGL-4 also has been co-opted during evolution to regulate P. pacificus mouth form dimorphism that indirectly affect pharyngeal pumping rate. Specifically, the lack of Ppa-EGL-4 function increases pharyngeal pumping, time spent in forward locomotion, and fat storage, in part as a result of higher food intake. Ppa-OBI-1 functions upstream or parallel to Ppa-EGL-4. The beetle-associated omnivorous P. pacificus respond differently to changes in food state and food quality compared to the exclusively bacteriovorous C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvina M. Kroetz
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America
| | - Jagan Srinivasan
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Yaghoobian
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Ray L. Hong
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Frooninckx L, Van Rompay L, Temmerman L, Van Sinay E, Beets I, Janssen T, Husson SJ, Schoofs L. Neuropeptide GPCRs in C. elegans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:167. [PMID: 23267347 PMCID: PMC3527849 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Like most organisms, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans relies heavily on neuropeptidergic signaling. This tiny animal represents a suitable model system to study neuropeptidergic signaling networks with single cell resolution due to the availability of powerful molecular and genetic tools. The availability of the worm's complete genome sequence allows researchers to browse through it, uncovering putative neuropeptides and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Many predictions have been made about the number of C. elegans neuropeptide GPCRs. In this review, we report the state of the art of both verified as well as predicted C. elegans neuropeptide GPCRs. The predicted neuropeptide GPCRs are incorporated into the receptor classification system based on their resemblance to orthologous GPCRs in insects and vertebrates. Appointing the natural ligand(s) to each predicted neuropeptide GPCR (receptor deorphanization) is a crucial step during characterization. The development of deorphanization strategies resulted in a significant increase in the knowledge of neuropeptidergic signaling in C. elegans. Complementary localization and functional studies demonstrate that neuropeptides and their GPCRs represent a rich potential source of behavioral variability in C. elegans. Here, we review all neuropeptidergic signaling pathways that so far have been functionally characterized in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Frooninckx
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Van Rompay
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Temmerman
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Sinay
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Beets
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Janssen
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Steven J. Husson
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Liliane Schoofs, Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail:
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Shephard F, Adenle AA, Jacobson LA, Szewczyk NJ. Identification and functional clustering of genes regulating muscle protein degradation from amongst the known C. elegans muscle mutants. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24686. [PMID: 21980350 PMCID: PMC3181249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of muscle mass via protein degradation is an important clinical problem but we know little of how muscle protein degradation is regulated genetically. To gain insight our labs developed C. elegans into a model for understanding the regulation of muscle protein degradation. Past studies uncovered novel functional roles for genes affecting muscle and/or involved in signalling in other cells or tissues. Here we examine most of the genes previously identified as the sites of mutations affecting muscle for novel roles in regulating degradation. We evaluate genomic (RNAi knockdown) approaches and combine them with our established genetic (mutant) and pharmacologic (drugs) approaches to examine these 159 genes. We find that RNAi usually recapitulates both organismal and sub-cellular mutant phenotypes but RNAi, unlike mutants, can frequently be used acutely to study gene function solely in differentiated muscle. In the majority of cases where RNAi does not produce organismal level phenotypes, sub-cellular defects can be detected; disrupted proteostasis is most commonly observed. We identify 48 genes in which mutation or RNAi knockdown causes excessive protein degradation; myofibrillar and/or mitochondrial morphologies are also disrupted in 19 of these 48 cases. These 48 genes appear to act via at least three sub-networks to control bulk degradation of protein in muscle cytosol. Attachment to the extracellular matrix regulates degradation via unidentified proteases and affects myofibrillar and mitochondrial morphology. Growth factor imbalance and calcium overload promote lysosome based degradation whereas calcium deficit promotes proteasome based degradation, in both cases myofibrillar and mitochondrial morphologies are largely unaffected. Our results provide a framework for effectively using RNAi to identify and functionally cluster novel regulators of degradation. This clustering allows prioritization of candidate genes/pathways for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Shephard
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Ademola A. Adenle
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis A. Jacobson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Luedtke S, O'Connor V, Holden-Dye L, Walker RJ. The regulation of feeding and metabolism in response to food deprivation in Caenorhabditis elegans. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2010; 10:63-76. [PMID: 21120572 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-010-0112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This review considers the factors involved in the regulation of feeding and metabolism in response to food deprivation using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Some of the sensory neurons and interneurons involved in food intake are described, together with an overview of pharyngeal pumping. A number of chemical transmitters control feeding in C. elegans including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine, octopamine, and tyramine. The roles of these transmitters are modified by neuropeptides, including FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs), neuropeptide-like protein (NLPs), and insulin-like peptides. The precise effects of many of these neuropeptides have yet to be elucidated but increasingly they are being shown to play a role in feeding and metabolism in C. elegans. The regulation of fat stores is complex and appears to involve the expression of a large number of genes, many with mammalian homologues, suggesting that fat regulatory signalling is conserved across phyla. Finally, a brief comparison is made between C. elegans and mammals where for both, despite their evolutionary distance, classical transmitters and neuropeptides have anorectic or orexigenic properties. Thus, there is a rationale to support the argument that an understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of feeding and fat regulation in C. elegans may contribute to efforts aimed at the identification of targets for the treatment of conditions associated with abnormal metabolism and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Luedtke
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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