Neuropeptidergic Signaling in the American Lobster Homarus americanus: New Insights from High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

Neuropeptidomics of the American Lobster Homarus americanus

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is not only of considerable economic importance but has also emerged as a premier model organism in neuroscience research. Neuropeptides, an important class of cell-to-cell signaling molecules, play crucial roles in a wide array of physiological and psychological processes. Leveraging the recently sequenced high-quality draft genome of the American lobster, our study sought to profile the neuropeptidome of this model organism. Employing advanced mass spectrometry techniques, we identified 24 neuropeptide precursors and 101 unique mature neuropeptides in Homarus americanus. Intriguingly, 67 of these neuropeptides were discovered for the first time. Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of the peptidomic attributes of the lobster's nervous system and highlight the tissue-specific distribution of these neuropeptides. Collectively, this research not only enriches our understanding of the neuronal complexities of the American lobster but also lays a foundation for future investigations into the functional roles that these peptides play in crustacean species. The mass spectrometry data have been deposited in the PRIDE repository with the identifier PXD047230.

Motor neurons within a network use cell-type specific feedback mechanisms to constrain relationships among ion channel mRNAs

Recently, activity has been proposed as a primary feedback mechanism used by continuously bursting neurons to coordinate ion channel mRNA relationships that underlie stable output. However, some neuron types only have intermittent periods of activity and so may require alternative mechanisms that induce and constrain the appropriate ion channel profile in different states of activity. To address this, we used the pyloric dilator (PD; constitutively active) and the lateral gastric (LG; periodically active) neurons of the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of the crustacean Cancer borealis. We experimentally stimulated descending inputs to the STG to cause release of neuromodulators known to elicit the active state of LG neurons and quantified the mRNA abundances and pairwise relationships of 11 voltage-gated ion channels in active and silent LG neurons. The same stimulus does not significantly alter PD activity. Activation of LG upregulated ion channel mRNAs and lead to a greater number of positively correlated pairwise channel mRNA relationships. Conversely, this stimulus did not induce major changes in ion channel mRNA abundances and relationships of PD cells, suggesting their ongoing activity is sufficient to maintain channel mRNA relationships even under changing modulatory conditions. In addition, we found that ion channel mRNA correlations induced by the active state of LG are influenced by a combination of activity- and neuromodulator-dependent feedback mechanisms. Interestingly, some of these same correlations are maintained by distinct mechanisms in PD, suggesting that these motor networks use distinct feedback mechanisms to coordinate the same mRNA relationships across neuron types.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neurons use various feedback mechanisms to adjust and maintain their output. Here, we demonstrate that different neurons within the same network can use distinct signaling mechanisms to regulate the same ion channel mRNA relationships.

Unravelling the neuropeptidome of the ornate spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus: A focus on peptide hormones and their processing enzymes expressed in the reproductive tissues

Neuropeptides are commonly produced in the neural tissues yet can have effects on far-reaching targets, with varied biological responses. We describe here the neuropeptidome of the ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus, a species of emerging importance to closed-system aquaculture, with a focus on peptide hormones produced by the reproductive tissues. Transcripts for a precursor to one neuropeptide, adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP) were identified in high numbers in the sperm duct of adult spiny lobsters suggesting a role for ACP in the reproduction of this species. Neuropeptide production in the sperm duct may be linked with physiological control of spermatophore production in the male, or alternatively may function in signalling to the female. The enzymes which process nascent neuropeptide precursors into their mature, active forms have seldom been studied in decapods, and never before at the multi-tissue level. We have identified transcripts for multiple members of the proprotein convertase subtisilin/kexin family in the ornate spiny lobster, with some enzymes showing specificity to certain tissues. In addition, other enzyme transcripts involved with neuropeptide processing are identified along with their tissue and life stage expression patterns.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of peroxiredoxin 3 (NdPrx3) from Neocaridina denticulata sinensis

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) widely exist in organisms and can prevent oxidative damage. Here, the characterization and biological function of NdPrx3 from Neocaridina denticulata sinensis were analyzed. The coding sequence of NdPrx3 consists of 684 bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding 227 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 24.7 kDa and theoretical pI 6.49. Multiple sequence alignments showed that the conserved domains of NdPrx3, including catalytic triad, dimer interface, decamer interface, peroxidatic, and resolving cysteines, were similar to those of other organisms. The phylogenetic relationship demonstrated that NdPrx3 clustered in the Prx3 class. The highest relative expression of NdPrx3 mRNA was confirmed in gill among the nine tissues from healthy shrimp. The transcript level of NdPrx3 was significantly upregulated from 0 h to 48 h and decreased in 72 h under copper challenge, indicating that NdPrx3 may play an important role in the copper challenge of N. denticulata sinensis. In addition, NdPrx3 was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and purified to one band on SDS-PAGE. The DNA protection of rNdPrx3 was verified. The enzymatic assay of the recombinant NdPrx3 indicated that it had the oxidoreductase function and was stable at a low temperature (10-30 °C).

Allatostatin A Signalling: Progress and New Challenges From a Paradigmatic Pleiotropic Invertebrate Neuropeptide Family

Neuropeptides have gained broad attraction in insect neuroscience and physiology, as new genetic tools are increasingly uncovering their wide-ranging pleiotropic functions with high cellular resolution. Allatostatin A (AstA) peptides constitute one of the best studied insect neuropeptide families. In insects and other panarthropods, AstA peptides qualify as brain-gut peptides and have regained attention with the discovery of their role in regulating feeding, growth, activity/sleep and learning. AstA receptor homologs are found throughout the protostomia and group with vertebrate somatostatin/galanin/kisspeptin receptors. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the evolution and the pleiotropic and cell-specific non-allatostatic functions of AstA. We speculate about the core functions of AstA signalling, and derive open questions and challengesfor future research on AstA and invertebrate neuropeptides in general.

Identification and characterization of expression profiles of neuropeptides and their GPCRs in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus

Neuropeptides and their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate multiple physiological processes. Currently, little is known about the identity of native neuropeptides and their receptors in Portunus trituberculatus. This study employed RNA-sequencing and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques to identify neuropeptides and their receptors that might be involved in regulation of reproductive processes of P. trituberculatus. In the central nervous system transcriptome data, 47 neuropeptide transcripts were identified. In further analyses, the tissue expression profile of 32 putative neuropeptide-encoding transcripts was estimated. Results showed that the 32 transcripts were expressed in the central nervous system and 23 of them were expressed in the ovary. A total of 47 GPCR-encoding transcripts belonging to two classes were identified, including 39 encoding GPCR-A family and eight encoding GPCR-B family. In addition, we assessed the tissue expression profile of 33 GPCRs (27 GPCR-As and six GPCR-Bs) transcripts. These GPCRs were found to be widely expressed in different tissues. Similar to the expression profiles of neuropeptides, 20 of these putative GPCR-encoding transcripts were also detected in the ovary. This is the first study to establish the identify of neuropeptides and their GPCRs in P. trituberculatus, and provide information for further investigations into the effect of neuropeptides on the physiology and behavior of decapod crustaceans.

Comparative neuroanatomical distribution and expression levels of neuropeptide F in the central nervous system of the female freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, during the ovarian cycle

Neuropeptide F (NPF) plays critical roles in controlling the feeding and reproduction of prawns. In the present study, we investigated changes in the expression levels of Macrobrachium rosenbergii neuropeptide F (MrNPF), and its neuroanatomical distribution in eyestalk (ES), brain (BR), subesophageal ganglion (SEG), thoracic ganglia (TG), and abdominal ganglia (AG), during the ovarian cycle of female prawn. By qRT-PCR, the amount of MrNPF transcripts exhibited a gradual increase in the ES, BR, and combined SEG and TG from stages I and II, to reach a maximum level at stage III, and slightly declined at stage IV, respectively. The highest to lowest expression levels were detected in combined SEG and TG, BR, ES, and AG, respectively. MrNPF immunolabeling was observed in several neuronal clusters, associated fibers, and neuropils of these central nervous system (CNS) tissues. MrNPF-ir was more intense in neurons and neuropils of SEG and TG than those found in other parts of the CNS. The number of MrNPF-ir neurons and intensity of MrNPF-ir were higher in the ES, BR, SEG, and TG at the late stages than those at the early stages of the ovarian cycle, while those in AG exhibited insignificant change. Taken together, there is a correlation between changes in the neuroanatomical distribution of MrNPF and stages of the ovarian cycle, implying that MrNPF may be an important neuropeptide that integrates sensory stimuli, including photo-, chemo-, and gustatory receptions, to control feeding and reproduction, particularly ovarian development, of this female prawn, M. rosenbergii.

Does Differential Receptor Distribution Underlie Variable Responses to a Neuropeptide in the Lobster Cardiac System?

Central pattern generators produce rhythmic behaviors independently of sensory input; however, their outputs can be modulated by neuropeptides, thereby allowing for functional flexibility. We investigated the effects of C-type allatostatins (AST-C) on the cardiac ganglion (CG), which is the central pattern generator that controls the heart of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, to identify the biological mechanism underlying the significant variability in individual responses to AST-C. We proposed that the presence of multiple receptors, and thus differential receptor distribution, was at least partly responsible for this observed variability. Using transcriptome mining and PCR-based cloning, we identified four AST-C receptors (ASTCRs) in the CG; we then characterized their cellular localization, binding potential, and functional activation. Only two of the four receptors, ASTCR1 and ASTCR2, were fully functional GPCRs that targeted to the cell surface and were activated by AST-C peptides in our insect cell expression system. All four, however, were amplified from CG cDNAs. Following the confirmation of ASTCR expression, we used physiological and bioinformatic techniques to correlate receptor expression with cardiac responses to AST-C across individuals. Expression of ASTCR1 in the CG showed a negative correlation with increasing contraction amplitude in response to AST-C perfusion through the lobster heart, suggesting that the differential expression of ASTCRs within the CG is partly responsible for the specific physiological response to AST-C exhibited by a given individual lobster.

The American lobster genome reveals insights on longevity, neural, and immune adaptations

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is integral to marine ecosystems and supports an important commercial fishery. This iconic species also serves as a valuable model for deciphering neural networks controlling rhythmic motor patterns and olfaction. Here, we report a high-quality draft assembly of the H. americanus genome with 25,284 predicted gene models. Analysis of the neural gene complement revealed extraordinary development of the chemosensory machinery, including a profound diversification of ligand-gated ion channels and secretory molecules. The discovery of a novel class of chimeric receptors coupling pattern recognition and neurotransmitter binding suggests a deep integration between the neural and immune systems. A robust repertoire of genes involved in innate immunity, genome stability, cell survival, chemical defense, and cuticle formation represents a diversity of defense mechanisms essential to thrive in the benthic marine environment. Together, these unique evolutionary adaptations contribute to the longevity and ecological success of this long-lived benthic predator.

De novo assembly of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium carcinus brain transcriptome for identification of potential targets for antibody development

Crustaceans are major constituents of aquatic ecosystems and, as such, changes in their behavior and the structure and function of their bodies can serve as indicators of alterations in their immediate environment, such as those associated with climate change and anthropogenic contamination. We have used bioinformatics and a de novo transcriptome assembly approach to identify potential targets for developing specific antibodies to serve as nervous system function markers for freshwater prawns of the Macrobrachium spp. Total RNA was extracted from brain ganglia of Macrobrachium carcinus freshwater prawns and Illumina Next Generation Sequencing was performed using an Eel Pond mRNA Seq Protocol to construct a de novo transcriptome. Sequencing yielded 97,202,662 sequences: 47,630,546 paired and 1,941,570 singletons. Assembly with Trinity resulted in 197,898 assembled contigs from which 30,576 were annotated: 9,600 by orthology, 17,197 by homology, and 3,779 by transcript families. We looked for glutamate receptors contigs, due to their main role in crustacean excitatory neurotransmission, and found 138 contigs related to ionotropic receptors, 32 related to metabotropic receptors, and 18 to unidentified receptors. After performing multiple sequence alignments within different biological organisms and antigenicity analysis, we were able to develop antibodies for prawn AMPA ionotropic glutamate receptor 1, metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and 4, and ionotropic NMDA glutamate receptor subunit 2B, with the expectation that the availability of these antibodies will help broaden knowledge regarding the underlying structural and functional mechanisms involved in prawn behavioral responses to environmental impacts. The Macrobrachium carcinus brain transcriptome can be an important tool for examining changes in many other nervous system molecules as a function of developmental stages, or in response to particular conditions or treatments.

Intrinsic sources of tachykinin-related peptide in the thoracic ganglion mass of the crab, Cancer borealis

Neuropeptides comprise the largest class of neural and neuroendocrine signaling molecules. Vertebrate tachykinins (TKs) and the structurally-related invertebrate tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) together form the largest neuropeptide superfamily, with a number of conserved neural and neuroendocrine functions across species. Arthropods, including crustaceans, have provided many insights into neuropeptide signaling and function. Crustacean tachykinin-related peptide occurs in endocrine organs and cells and in two of the major crustacean CNS components, the supraoesophageal ganglion ("brain") and the stomatogastric nervous system. However, little is known about TRP sources in the remaining major CNS component, the thoracic ganglion mass (TGM). To gain further insight into the function of this peptide, we aimed to identify intrinsic TRP sources in the TGM of the Jonah crab, Cancer borealis. We first adapted a clearing protocol to improve TRP immunoreactivity specifically in the TGM, which is a dense, fused mass of multiple ganglia in short-bodied crustaceans such as Cancer species of crabs. We verified that the clearing protocol avoided distortion of cell body morphology yet increased visibility of TRP immunoreactivity. Using confocal microscopy, we found TRP-immunoreactive (TRP-IR) axon tracts running the length of the TGM, TRP-IR neuropil in all ganglia, and approximately 110 TRP-IR somata distributed throughout the TGM, within and between ganglia. These somata likely represent both neural and neuroendocrine sources of TRP. Thus, there are many potential intrinsic sources of TRP in the TGM that are positioned to regulate behaviors such as food intake, locomotion, respiration, and reproduction.

G protein-coupled receptor signal transduction and Ca2+ signaling pathways of the allatotropin/orexin system in Hydra

Allatotropin is a pleiotropic peptide originally characterized in insects. The existence of AT neuropeptide signaling was proposed in other invertebrates. In fact, we previously proposed the presence of an AT-like system regulating feeding behavior in Hydra sp. Even in insects, the information about the AT signaling pathway is incomplete. The aim of this study is to analyze the signaling cascade activated by AT in Hydra plagiodesmica using a pharmacological approach. The results show the involvement of Ca²⁺ and IP₃ signaling in the transduction pathway of the peptide. Furthermore, we confirm the existence of a GPCR system involved in this pathway, that would be coupled to a G_q subfamily of Gα protein, which activates a PLC, inducing an increase in IP₃ and cytosolic Ca²⁺. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first in vivo approach to study the overall signaling pathway and intracellular events involved in the myoregulatory effect of AT in Hydra sp.

Multiple transcriptome mining coupled with tissue specific molecular cloning and mass spectrometry provide insights into agatoxin-like peptide conservation in decapod crustaceans

Over the past decade, in silico genome and transcriptome mining has led to the identification of many new crustacean peptide families, including the agatoxin-like peptides (ALPs), a group named for their structural similarity to agatoxin, a spider venom component. Here, analysis of publicly accessible transcriptomes was used to expand our understanding of crustacean ALPs. Specifically, transcriptome mining was used to investigate the phylogenetic/structural conservation, tissue localization, and putative functions of ALPs in decapod species. Transcripts encoding putative ALP precursors were identified from one or more members of the Penaeoidea (penaeid shrimp), Sergestoidea (sergestid shrimps), Caridea (caridean shrimp), Astacidea (clawed lobsters and freshwater crayfish), Achelata (spiny/slipper lobsters), and Brachyura (true crabs), suggesting a broad, and perhaps ubiquitous, conservation of ALPs in decapods. Comparison of the predicted mature structures of decapod ALPs revealed high levels of amino acid conservation, including eight identically conserved cysteine residues that presumably allow for the formation of four identically positioned disulfide bridges. All decapod ALPs are predicted to have amidated carboxyl-terminals. Two isoforms of ALP appear to be present in most decapod species, one 44 amino acids long and the other 42 amino acids in length, both likely generated by alternative splicing of a single gene. In carideans, a gene or terminal exon duplication appears to have occurred, with alternative splicing producing four ALPs, two 44 and two 42 amino acid isoforms. The identification of ALP precursor-encoding transcripts in nervous system-specific transcriptomes (e.g., Homarus americanus brain, eyestalk ganglia, and cardiac ganglion assemblies, finding confirmed using RT-PCR) suggests that members of this peptide family may serve as locally-released and/or hormonally-delivered neuromodulators in decapods. Their detection in testis- and hepatopancreas-specific transcriptomes suggests that members of the ALP family may also play roles in male reproduction and innate immunity/detoxification.

Cloning of the first cDNA encoding a putative CCRFamide precursor: identification of the brain, eyestalk ganglia, and cardiac ganglion as sites of CCRFamide expression in the American lobster, Homarus americanus

Over the past decade, many new peptide families have been identified via in silico analyses of genomic and transcriptomic datasets. While various molecular and biochemical methods have confirmed the existence of some of these new groups, others remain in silico discoveries of computationally assembled sequences only. An example of the latter are the CCRFamides, named for the predicted presence of two pairs of disulfide bonded cysteine residues and an amidated arginine-phenylalanine carboxyl-terminus in family members, which have been identified from annelid, molluscan, and arthropod genomes/transcriptomes, but for which no precursor protein-encoding cDNAs have been cloned. Using routine transcriptome mining methods, we identified four Homarus americanus (American lobster) CCRFamide transcripts that share high sequence identity across the predicted open reading frames but more limited conservation in their 5' terminal ends, suggesting the Homarus gene undergoes alternative splicing. RT-PCR profiling using primers designed to amplify an internal fragment common to all of the transcripts revealed expression in the supraoesophageal ganglion (brain), eyestalk ganglia, and cardiac ganglion. Variant specific profiling revealed a similar profile for variant 1, eyestalk ganglia specific expression of variant 2, and an absence of variant 3 expression in the cDNAs examined. The broad distribution of CCRFamide transcript expression in the H. americanus nervous system suggests a potential role as a locally released and/or circulating neuropeptide. This is the first report of the cloning of a CCRFamide-encoding cDNA from any species, and as such, provides the first non-in silico support for the existence of this invertebrate peptide family.

Transcriptomic changes across vitellogenesis in the black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors repertoire curation

The black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is one of the most commercially important prawn species world-wide, yet there are currently key issues that hinder aquaculture of this species, such as low spawning capacity of captive-reared broodstock females and lack of globally available fully domesticated strains. In this study, we analysed the molecular changes that occur from vitellogenesis to spawning of a fully domesticated population of P.monodon (Madagascar) using four tissues [brain and thoracic ganglia (central nervous system - CNS), eyestalks, antennal gland, and ovary] highlighting differentially expressed genes that could be involved in the sexual maturation. In addition, due to their key role in regulating multiple physiological processes including reproduction, transcripts encoding P.monodon neuropeptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were identified and their expression pattern was assessed. A few neuropeptides and their putative GPCRs which were previously implicated in reproduction are discussed. We identified 573 differentially expressed transcripts between previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages, across the four analysed tissues. Multiple transcripts that have been linked to ovarian maturation were highlighted throughout the study, these include vitellogenin, Wnt, heat shock protein 21, heat shock protein 90, teneurin, Fs(1)M3, hemolymph clottable proteins and some other candidates. Seventy neuropeptide transcripts were also characterized from our de novo assembly. In addition, a hybrid approach that involved clustering and phylogenetics analysis was used to annotate all P. monodon GPCRs, revealing 223 Rhodopsin, 100 Secretin and 27 Metabotropic glutamate GPCRs. Given the key commercial significance of P.monodon and the industry requirements for developing better genomic tools to control reproduction in this species, our findings provide a foundation for future gene-based studies, setting the scene for developing innovative tools for reproduction and/or sexual maturation control in P. monodon.

Pigment Dispersing Factors and Their Cognate Receptors in a Crustacean Model, With New Insights Into Distinct Neurons and Their Functions

Pigment dispersing factors (PDFs, or PDHs in crustaceans) form a structurally related group of neuropeptides found throughout the Ecdysozoa and were first discovered as pigmentary effector hormones in crustaceans. In insects PDFs fulfill crucial neuromodulatory roles, most notably as output regulators of the circadian system, underscoring their central position in physiological and behavioral organization of arthropods. Intriguingly, decapod crustaceans express multiple isoforms of PDH originating from separate genes, yet their differential functions are still to be determined. Here, we functionally define two PDH receptors in the crab Carcinus maenas and show them to be selectively activated by four PDH isoforms: PDHR 43673 was activated by PDH-1 and PDH-2 at low nanomolar doses whilst PDHR 41189 was activated by PDH-3 and an extended 20 residue e-PDH. Detailed examination of the anatomical distribution of all four peptides and their cognate receptors indicate that they likely perform different functions as secreted hormones and/or neuromodulators, with PDH-1 and its receptor 43,673 implicated in an authentic hormonal axis. PDH-2, PDH-3, and e-PDH were limited to non-neurohemal interneuronal sites in the CNS; PDHR 41189 was largely restricted to the nervous system suggesting a neuromodulatory function. Notably PDH-3 and e-PDH were without chromatophore dispersing activity. This is the first report which functionally defines a PDHR in an endocrine system in a crustacean and to indicate this and other putative roles of this physiologically pivotal peptide group in these organisms. Thus, our findings present opportunities to further examine the endocrine and circadian machinery in this important arthropod phylum.

Differential neuropeptide modulation of premotor and motor neurons in the lobster cardiac ganglion

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, cardiac neuromuscular system is controlled by the cardiac ganglion (CG), a central pattern generator consisting of four premotor and five motor neurons. Here, we show that the premotor and motor neurons can establish independent bursting patterns when decoupled by a physical ligature. We also show that mRNA encoding myosuppressin, a cardioactive neuropeptide, is produced within the CG. We thus asked whether myosuppressin modulates the decoupled premotor and motor neurons, and if so, how this modulation might underlie the role(s) that these neurons play in myosuppressin's effects on ganglionic output. Although myosuppressin exerted dose-dependent effects on burst frequency and duration in both premotor and motor neurons in the intact CG, its effects on the ligatured ganglion were more complex, with different effects and thresholds on the two types of neurons. These data suggest that the motor neurons are more important in determining the changes in frequency of the CG elicited by low concentrations of myosuppressin, whereas the premotor neurons have a greater impact on changes elicited in burst duration. A single putative myosuppressin receptor (MSR-I) was previously described from the Homarus nervous system. We identified four additional putative MSRs (MSR-II-V) and investigated their individual distributions in the CG premotor and motor neurons using RT-PCR. Transcripts for only three receptors (MSR-II-IV) were amplified from the CG. Potential differential distributions of the receptors were observed between the premotor and motor neurons; these differences may contribute to the distinct physiological responses of the two neuron types to myosuppressin.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Premotor and motor neurons of the Homarus americanus cardiac ganglion (CG) are normally electrically and chemically coupled, and generate rhythmic bursting that drives cardiac contractions; we show that they can establish independent bursting patterns when physically decoupled by a ligature. The neuropeptide myosuppressin modulates different aspects of the bursting pattern in these neuron types to determine the overall modulation of the intact CG. Differential distribution of myosuppressin receptors may underlie the observed responses to myosuppressin.

Neural remodelling in spiny lobster larvae is characterized by broad neuropeptide suppression

Neuropeptides are ancient endocrine components which have evolved to regulate many aspects of biology across the animal kingdom including behaviour, development and metabolism. To supplement current knowledge, we have utilized a transcriptome series describing larval development in the ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus. The biology of this animal has been leveraged to provide insights into the roles of molting, metamorphosis and metabolism across the neuropeptide family. We report an extensive list of neuropeptides across three distinct life phases of the animal. We show distinct groups of neuropeptides with differential expression between larval phases, indicating phase-specific roles for these peptides. For selected neuropeptides, we describe and discuss expression profiles throughout larval development and report predicted peptide cleavage sites and mature peptide sequences. We also report the neuropeptide nesfatin for the first time in a crustacean, and report secondary peptide products with a level of evolutionary conservation similar to the conventional mature peptide nesfatin-1, indicating a conserved role in these secondary products which are widely regarded as biologically inactive. In addition, we report a trend of downregulation in the neuropeptides as the animal undergoes extensive neural remodelling in fulfillment of metamorphosis. We suggest that this downregulation in neuropeptides relates to the brief, yet dramatic changes in morphology experienced by the central nervous system in the process of metamorphosis.

Transcriptomic characterisation of neuropeptides and their putative cognate G protein-coupled receptors during late embryo and stage-1 juvenile development of the Aotearoa-New Zealand crayfish, Paranephrops zealandicus

We de novo assembled a transcriptome for early life-stages of the Aotearoa-New Zealand crayfish, Paranephrops zealandicus, establishing the first genetic resource for this under-developed aquaculture species and for the Paranephrops genus. Mining of this transcriptome for neuropeptides and their putative cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) yielded a comprehensive catalogue of neuropeptides, but few putative neuropeptide GPCRs. Of the neuropeptides commonly identified from decapod transcriptomes, only crustacean female sex hormone and insulin-like peptide were absent from our trinity de novo transcriptome assembly, and also RNA-sequence reads. We identified 63 putative neuropeptide precursors from 43 families, predicted to yield 122 active peptides. Transcripts encoding 26 putative neuropeptide GPCRs were identified but were often incomplete. Putative GPCRs for 15 of the neuropeptides identified here were absent from our transcriptome and RNAseq reads. These data highlight the diverse neuropeptide systems already present at the early development life stages sampled here for P. zealandicus.

Robust induction of interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression by influenza B/Yamagata lineage virus infection of A549 cells

Influenza B virus (IBV) belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and generally causes sporadic epidemics but is occasionally deadly to individuals. The current research mainly focuses on clinical and pathological characteristics of IBV. However, to better prevent or treat the disease, one must determine the strategies developed by IBV to invade and disrupt cellular proteins and approach to replicate itself, to suppress antiviral innate immunity, and understand how the host responds to IBV infection. The B/Shanghai/PD114/2018 virus was able to infect alveolar epithelial cells (A549) cells, with good potential for replication. To identify host cellular responses against IBV infection, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained using RNA sequencing. The GO and KEGG pathway term enrichment analyses with the DEGs were performed, and we found that the DEGs were primary involved in metabolic processes and cellular function, which may be related to the host response, including the innate immune response against the virus. Our transcriptome analysis results demonstrated robust induction of interferon and interferon-stimulated gene expression by IBV in human cells during the early stages of infection, providing a foundation for further studies focused on antiviral drug development and interactions between the virus and host.

Assessment and comparison of putative amine receptor complement/diversity in the brain and eyestalk ganglia of the lobster, Homarus americanus

In decapods, dopamine, octopamine, serotonin, and histamine function as locally released/hormonally delivered modulators of physiology/behavior. Although the functional roles played by amines in decapods have been examined extensively, little is known about the identity/diversity of their amine receptors. Recently, a Homarus americanus mixed nervous system transcriptome was used to identify putative neuronal amine receptors in this species. While many receptors were identified, some were fragmentary, and no evidence of splice/other variants was found. Here, the previously predicted proteins were used to search brain- and eyestalk ganglia-specific transcriptomes to assess/compare amine receptor complements in these portions of the lobster nervous system. All previously identified receptors were reidentified from the brain and/or eyestalk ganglia transcriptomes, i.e., dopamine alpha-1, beta-1, and alpha-2 (Homam-DAα2R) receptors, octopamine alpha (Homam-OctαR), beta-1, beta-2, beta-3, beta-4, and octopamine-tyramine (Homam-OTR-I) receptors, serotonin type-1A, type-1B (Homam-5HTR1B), type-2B, and type-7 receptors; and histamine type-1 (Homam-HA1R), type-2, type-3, and type-4 receptors. For many previously partial proteins, full-length receptors were deduced from brain and/or eyestalk ganglia transcripts, i.e., Homam-DAα2R, Homam-OctαR, Homam-OTR-I, and Homam-5HTR1B. In addition, novel dopamine/ecdysteroid, octopamine alpha-2, and OTR receptors were discovered, the latter, Homam-OTR-II, being a putative paralog of Homam-OTR-I. Finally, evidence for splice/other variants was found for many receptors, including evidence for some being assembly-specific, e.g., a brain-specific Homam-OTR-I variant and an eyestalk ganglia-specific Homam-HA1R variant. To increase confidence in the transcriptome-derived sequences, a subset of receptors was cloned using RT-PCR. These data complement/augment those reported previously, providing a more complete picture of amine receptor complement/diversity in the lobster nervous system.

In silico analyses suggest the cardiac ganglion of the lobster, Homarus americanus, contains a diverse array of putative innexin/innexin-like proteins, including both known and novel members of this protein family

Gap junctions are physical channels that connect adjacent cells, permitting the flow of small molecules/ions between the cytoplasms of the coupled units. Innexin/innexin-like proteins are responsible for the formation of invertebrate gap junctions. Within the nervous system, gap junctions often function as electrical synapses, providing a means for coordinating activity among electrically coupled neurons. While some gap junctions allow the bidirectional flow of small molecules/ions between coupled cells, others permit flow in one direction only or preferentially. The complement of innexins present in a gap junction determines its specific properties. Thus, understanding innexin diversity is key for understanding the full potential of electrical coupling in a species/system. The decapod crustacean cardiac ganglion (CG), which controls cardiac muscle contractions, is a simple pattern-generating neural network with extensive electrical coupling among its circuit elements. In the lobster, Homarus americanus, prior work suggested that the adult neuronal innexin complement consists of six innexins (Homam-Inx1-4 and Homam-Inx6-7). Here, using a H. americanus CG-specific transcriptome, we explored innexin complement in this portion of the lobster nervous system. With the exception of Homam-Inx4, all of the previously described innexins appear to be expressed in the H. americanus CG. In addition, transcripts encoding seven novel putative innexins (Homam-Inx8-14) were identified, four (Homam-Inx8-11) having multiple splice variants, e.g., six for Homam-Inx8. Collectively, these data indicate that the innexin complement of the lobster nervous system in general, and the CG specifically, is likely significantly greater than previously reported, suggesting the possibility of expanded gap junction diversity and function in H. americanus.

Insights on Molecular Mechanisms of Ovarian Development in Decapod Crustacea: Focus on Vitellogenesis-Stimulating Factors and Pathways

Vitellogenesis in crustaceans is an energy-consuming process. Though the underlying mechanisms of ovarian maturation in decapod Crustacea are still unclear, evidence indicates the process to be regulated by antagonistically-acting inhibitory and stimulating factors specifically originating from X-organ/sinus gland (XO/SG) complex. Among the reported neuromediators, neuropeptides belonging to the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH)-family have been studied extensively. The structure and dynamics of inhibitory action of vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) on vitellogenesis have been demonstrated in several species. Similarly, the stimulatory effects of other neuropeptides of the CHH-family on crustacean vitellogenesis have also been validated. Advancement in transcriptomic sequencing and comparative genome analysis has led to the discovery of a large number of neuromediators, peptides, and putative peptide receptors having pleiotropic and novel functions in decapod reproduction. Furthermore, differing research strategies have indicated that neurotransmitters and steroid hormones play an integrative role by stimulating neuropeptide secretion, thus demonstrating the complex intertwining of regulatory factors in reproduction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the combinatorial effect of eyestalk hormones, neuromediators and other factors coordinate to regulate ovarian maturation remain elusive. These multifunctional substances are speculated to control ovarian maturation possibly via the autocrine/paracrine pathway by acting directly on the gonads or by indirectly exerting their stimulatory effects by triggering the release of a putative gonad stimulating factor from the thoracic ganglion. Acting through receptors, they possibly affect levels of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) and Ca²⁺ in target tissues leading to the regulation of vitellogenesis. The "stimulatory paradox" effect of eyestalk ablation on ovarian maturation continues to be exploited in commercial aquaculture operations, and is outweighed by the detrimental physiological effects of this procedure. In this regard, the development of efficient alternatives to eyestalk ablation based on scientific knowledge is a necessity. In this article, we focus principally on the signaling pathways of positive neuromediators and other factors regulating crustacean reproduction, providing an overview of their proposed receptor-mediated stimulatory mechanisms, intracellular signaling, and probable interaction with other hormonal signals. Finally, we provide insight into future research directions on crustacean reproduction as well as potential applications of such research to aquaculture technology development.

Identification of Peptides and Their GPCRs in the Peppermint Shrimp Lysmata vittata, a Protandric Simultaneous Hermaphrodite Species

Peptide hormones commonly binding with G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) achieve their function in reproduction. The peppermint shrimp Lysmata vittata popular in marine ornamental trade and is known to display protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite (PSH). Knowledge on reproductive biology of this commercial species is critical for resources management and aquaculture. This study employed Illumina sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify peptides and their candidate GPCRs from male phase (MP) and euhermaphrodite phase (EP) of L. vittata. A total of 61 peptide and 40 peptide GPCR transcripts derive from 44 peptide families and 13 peptide GPCR families were identified, respectively. Among them, insulin-like androgenic gland hormone and crustacean female sex hormone have two unique mature peptides, respectively, and their transcripts showed higher expression levels in MP than EP, which suggest that these sex differentiation hormones might be involved in sexual characters than spermatogenesis or vitellogenesis. Overall, the first study on identification of peptides and their GPCRs in the genus Lysmata extends our knowledge of peptidergic signaling in PSH species, and provides an important basis for development of aquaculture strategies.

In silico identification of the neuropeptidome of the pond wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata

Neuropeptides have been successfully documented in numerous arthropod species via in silico prediction from transcriptomic and genomic data. We recently sequenced the genome and nine transcriptomes of a chelicerate species, the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata. Here 43 neuropeptide families encoded by 87 neuropeptide genes were identified, among which 84 genes were presented with complete open reading frames. The neuropeptide genes often had paralogs and paralogous genes showed different expression profiles in nine transcriptomes. Six crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide-like (CHH/ITP) genes were predicted and CHH/ITP6 was expressed much higher than the others. Orcokinin 1 and orcokinin 2 genes were both expressed in brain at a similar level. But, interestingly, orcokinin 1 gene was ubiquitously expressed in appendages while orcokinin 2 gene was enriched in venom gland to an extreme extent. The expression profiling of neuropeptide genes offers clues for further functional investigation. Paralogous genes were also found to be clustered at scaffolds such as nine insulin-like peptide genes at three scaffolds and six pyrokinin genes at two scaffolds, indicating a result of local gene duplication. In contrast, the four C-type allatostatin family members were scattered at five scaffolds, different from their closely associated locations reported in many arthropod species including several spiders. The comprehensive inventory of P. pseudoannulata neuropeptides here expands our repository of chelicerate neuropeptides and further promotes our understanding of neuropeptide evolution and functions.

C-Type allatostatin and its putative receptor from the mud crab serve an inhibitory role in ovarian development

C-Type allatostatins are a family of peptides that characterized by a conserved unblocked PISCF motif at the C-terminus. In insects, it is well known that C-type allatostatin has a potent inhibitory effect on juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. C-Type allatostatin has been widely identified from crustacean species but little is known about its roles. Therefore, this study investigated the tissue distribution patterns of C-type allatostatin and its putative receptor in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, and further explored its potential effect on vitellogenesis. Firstly, cDNAs encoding C-type allatostatin (Sp-AST-C) precursor and its putative receptor (Sp-AST-CR) were isolated. Subsequently, RT-PCR revealed that Sp-AST-C was mainly expressed in the nervous tissue, middle gut and heart, whereas Sp-AST-CR had extensive expression in all tissues tested except the eyestalk ganglion and hepatopancreas. In addition, in situ hybridization in the cerebral ganglion showed that Sp-AST-C was localized in clusters 6 and 8 of the protocerebrum, clusters 9, 10 and 11 of the deutocerebrum, and clusters 14 and 15 of the tritocerebrum. Whole-mount immunofluorescence revealed a similar distribution pattern. Synthetic Sp-AST-C had no effect on the abundance of S. paramamosain vitellogenin (Sp-Vg) in the hepatopancreas and ovary in vitro but significantly reduced the expression of its receptor (Sp-VgR) in the ovary in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Sp-VgR expression, vitellin content and oocyte diameter in the ovary were reduced 16 days after the first injection of Sp-AST-C. Finally, in situ hybridization showed that Sp-AST-CR transcript was specifically localized in the oocytes, which further indicated that the oocytes are the target cells for Sp-AST-C. In conclusion, our results suggested that the Sp-AST-C signaling system is involved in the regulation of ovarian development, possibly by directly inhibiting the uptake of yolk by oocytes and obstructing oocyte growth.

What can transcriptomics reveal about the phylogenetic/structural conservation, tissue localization, and possible functions of CNMamide peptides in decapod crustaceans?

Over the past several years, in silico analyses of arthropod genomes/transcriptomes have led to the identification of several previously unknown peptide families. The CNMamides are one such peptide group, having been discovered via computational analyses of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, genome; both a CNMamide precursor and receptor were identified. Recently, a CNMamide family member, VMCHFKICNLamide (disulfide bridging between the cysteine residues), was predicted via in silico mining of a crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, transcriptome, suggesting the presence of this peptide group in members of the Decapoda. Here, using publically accessible transcriptomic data, the phylogenetic/structural conservation, tissue localization, and possible functions of the CNMamide family in decapods were explored. Evidence for CNMamide precursors was found for members of each decapod infraorder for which significant sequence data are available, suggesting a ubiquitous conservation of the CNMamide family in the Decapoda. For the Penaeoidea, Caridea, Astacidea and Achelata, the isoform of CNMamide originally identified from P. clarkii appears to be ubiquitously conserved; in members of the Brachyura, VMCHFKICNMamide (disulfide bridging between the cysteine residues) is the native isoform. Interestingly, the decapod CNMamide gene appears to also have a splice variant in which the carboxy-terminal portion of the preprohormone containing the CNMamide peptide is replaced by one containing a different disulfide bridged peptide that is structurally unrelated to it; this second peptide shows considerable conservation within, but variation among, decapod infraorders. A highly conserved putative CNMamide receptor was identified from members of the Penaeoidea, Astacidea and Brachyura. Phylogenetic analyses support the annotation of the decapod receptor as a true member of the CNMamide receptor family. The presence of precursor and receptor transcripts in both nervous system- and reproductive tissue-specific transcriptomes suggests CNMamides serve as modulators of decapod neural and reproductive control systems.

Identification of putative amine receptor complement in the eyestalk of the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

In decapod crustaceans, the amines dopamine, octopamine, serotonin, and histamine are known to serve as locally released and/or circulating neuromodulators. While many studies have focused on determining the modulatory actions of amines on decapod nervous systems, comparatively little is known about the identity of the receptors through which they exert their actions. Here, a crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, tissue-specific transcriptome was used to identify putative amine receptors in the eyestalk, a structure composed largely of the eyestalk ganglia, including the neuroendocrine X-organ-sinus gland system, and retina. Transcripts encoding 17 distinct putative amine receptors, three dopamine (one dopamine 1-like, one dopamine 2-like, and one dopamine/ecdysteroid-like), five octopamine (one alpha-like, three beta-like, and one octopamine/tyramine-like), three serotonin (two type-1-like and one type-7-like), and six histamine (five histamine-gated chloride channel A-like and one histamine-gated chloride channel B-like) were identified in the assembly. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the transcript encoding one predicted type-1-like serotonin receptor with that cloned previously from the P. clarkii nervous system shows the two sequences to be essentially identical, providing increased support for the validity of the transcripts used to deduce the proteins reported here. Reciprocal BLAST and structural/functional domain analyses support the protein family annotations ascribed to the putative P. clarkii receptors. These data represent the first large-scale description of amine receptors from P. clarkii, and as such provide a new resource for initiating gene-based studies of aminergic control of physiology/behavior at the level of receptors in this species.

The Evolutionary History of The Orexin/Allatotropin GPCR Family: from Placozoa and Cnidaria to Vertebrata

Peptidic messengers constitute a highly diversified group of intercellular messengers widely distributed in nature that regulate a great number of physiological processes in Metazoa. Being crucial for life, it seem that they have appeared in the ancestral group from which Metazoa evolved, and were highly conserved along the evolutionary process. Peptides act mainly through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a family of transmembrane molecules. GPCRs are also widely distributed in nature being present in metazoan, but also in Choanoflagellata and Fungi. Among GPCRs, the Allatotropin/Orexin (AT/Ox) family is particularly characterized by the presence of the DRW motif in the second intracellular loop (IC Loop 2), and seems to be present in Cnidaria, Placozoa and in Bilateria, suggesting that it was present in the common ancestor of Metazoa. Looking for the evolutionary history of this GPCRs we searched for corresponding sequences in public databases. Our results suggest that AT/Ox receptors were highly conserved along evolutionary process, and that they are characterized by the presence of the E/DRWYAI motif at the IC Loop 2. Phylogenetic analyses show that AT/Ox family of receptors reflects evolutionary relationships that agree with current phylogenetic understanding in Actinopterygii and Sauropsida, including also the largely discussed position of Testudines.

To what extent may peptide receptor gene diversity/complement contribute to functional flexibility in a simple pattern-generating neural network?

Peptides are known to contribute to central pattern generator (CPG) flexibility throughout the animal kingdom. However, the role played by receptor diversity/complement in determining this functional flexibility is not clear. The stomatogastric ganglion (STG) of the crab, Cancer borealis, contains CPGs that are models for investigating peptidergic control of rhythmic behavior. Although many Cancer peptides have been identified, their peptide receptors are largely unknown. Thus, the extent to which receptor diversity/complement contributes to modulatory flexibility in this system remains unresolved. Here, a Cancer mixed nervous system transcriptome was used to determine the peptide receptor complement for the crab nervous system as a whole. Receptors for 27 peptide families, including multiple receptors for some groups, were identified. To increase confidence in the predicted sequences, receptors for allatostatin-A, allatostatin-B, and allatostatin-C were cloned, sequenced, and expressed in an insect cell line; as expected, all three receptors trafficked to the cell membrane. RT-PCR was used to determine whether each receptor was expressed in the Cancer STG. Transcripts for 36 of the 46 identified receptors were amplified; these included at least one for each peptide family except RYamide. Finally, two peptides untested on the crab STG were assessed for their influence on its motor outputs. Myosuppressin, for which STG receptors were identified, exhibited clear modulatory effects on the motor patterns of the ganglion, while a native RYamide, for which no STG receptors were found, elicited no consistent modulatory effects. These data support receptor diversity/complement as a major contributor to the functional flexibility of CPGs.

AMGSEFLamide, a member of a broadly conserved peptide family, modulates multiple neural networks in Homarus americanus

Recent genomic/transcriptomic studies have identified a novel peptide family whose members share the carboxyl terminal sequence -GSEFLamide. However, the presence/identity of the predicted isoforms of this peptide group have yet to be confirmed biochemically, and no physiological function has yet been ascribed to any member of this peptide family. To determine the extent to which GSEFLamides are conserved within the Arthropoda, we searched publicly accessible databases for genomic/transcriptomic evidence of their presence. GSEFLamides appear to be highly conserved within the Arthropoda, with the possible exception of the Insecta, in which sequence evidence was limited to the more basal orders. One crustacean in which GSEFLamides have been predicted using transcriptomics is the lobster, Homarus americanus Expression of the previously published transcriptome-derived sequences was confirmed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR of brain and eyestalk ganglia cDNAs; mass spectral analyses confirmed the presence of all six of the predicted GSEFLamide isoforms - IGSEFLamide, MGSEFLamide, AMGSEFLamide, VMGSEFLamide, ALGSEFLamide and AVGSEFLamide - in H. americanus brain extracts. AMGSEFLamide, of which there are multiple copies in the cloned transcripts, was the most abundant isoform detected in the brain. Because the GSEFLamides are present in the lobster nervous system, we hypothesized that they might function as neuromodulators, as is common for neuropeptides. We thus asked whether AMGSEFLamide modulates the rhythmic outputs of the cardiac ganglion and the stomatogastric ganglion. Physiological recordings showed that AMGSEFLamide potently modulates the motor patterns produced by both ganglia, suggesting that the GSEFLamides may serve as important and conserved modulators of rhythmic motor activity in arthropods.

Transcriptome analysis and histopathology of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) spleen infected by Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila causes serious economic losses to the black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) industry. In this study, we analyzed the spleen of disease-resistant and susceptible black carp by RNA-seq. Overall, a total of 5243 terms were enriched in the gene ontology (GO) analysis, and 323 related pathways were found in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A total of 1935 differentially expressed genes were found and were primarily involved in cell adhesion, pathogen recognition, cellular immunity, cytokines, complement systems, and iron transport. Sixteen of the differently expressed genes involved in the immune response and the accuracy of the transcriptome data were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We observed Tissue sections of the spleen infected with A. hydrophila and the control group and found that the spleen of the infected group had necrosis.

Modulation of neuromuscular synapses and contraction in Drosophila 3rd instar larvae

Over the past four decades, Drosophila melanogaster has become an increasingly important model system for studying the modulation of chemical synapses and muscle contraction by cotransmitters and neurohormones. This review describes how advantages provided by Drosophila have been utilized to investigate synaptic modulation, and it discusses key findings from investigations of cotransmitters and neurohormones that act on body wall muscles of 3rd instar Drosophila larvae. These studies have contributed much to our understanding of how neuromuscular systems are modulated by neuropeptides and biogenic amines, but there are still gaps in relating these peripheral modulatory effects to behavior.

Molecular characterization of putative neuropeptide, amine, diffusible gas and small molecule transmitter biosynthetic enzymes in the eyestalk ganglia of the American lobster, Homarus americanus

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is a model for investigating the neuromodulatory control of physiology and behavior. Prior studies have shown that multiple classes of chemicals serve as locally released/circulating neuromodulators/neurotransmitters in this species. Interestingly, while many neuroactive compounds are known from Homarus, little work has focused on identifying/characterizing the enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis, despite the fact that these enzymes are key components for regulating neuromodulation/neurotransmission. Here, an eyestalk ganglia-specific transcriptome was mined for transcripts encoding enzymes involved in neuropeptide, amine, diffusible gas and small molecule transmitter biosynthesis. Using known Drosophila melanogaster proteins as templates, transcripts encoding putative Homarus homologs of peptide precursor processing (signal peptide peptidase, prohormone processing protease and carboxypeptidase) and immature peptide modifying (glutaminyl cyclase, tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase, protein disulfide isomerase, peptidylglycine-α-hydroxylating monooxygenase and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine-α-amidating lyase) enzymes were identified in the eyestalk assembly. Similarly, transcripts encoding full complements of the enzymes responsible for dopamine [tryptophan-phenylalanine hydroxylase (TPH), tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC)], octopamine (TPH, tyrosine decarboxylase and tyramine β-hydroxylase), serotonin (TPH or tryptophan hydroxylase and DDC) and histamine (histidine decarboxylase) biosynthesis were identified from the eyestalk ganglia, as were those responsible for the generation of the gases nitric oxide (nitric oxide synthase) and carbon monoxide (heme oxygenase), and the small molecule transmitters acetylcholine (choline acetyltransferase), glutamate (glutaminase) and GABA (glutamic acid decarboxylase). The presence and identity of the transcriptome-derived transcripts were confirmed using RT-PCR. The data presented here provide a foundation for future gene-based studies of neuromodulatory control at the level of neurotransmitter/modulator biosynthesis in Homarus.

Transcriptomic analysis of crustacean neuropeptide signaling during the moult cycle in the green shore crab, Carcinus maenas

Background

Ecdysis is an innate behaviour programme by which all arthropods moult their exoskeletons. The complex suite of interacting neuropeptides that orchestrate ecdysis is well studied in insects, but details of the crustacean ecdysis cassette are fragmented and our understanding of this process is comparatively crude, preventing a meaningful evolutionary comparison. To begin to address this issue we identified transcripts coding for neuropeptides and their putative receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and Y-organs (YO) within the crab, Carcinus maenas, and mapped their expression profiles across accurately defined stages of the moult cycle using RNA-sequencing. We also studied gene expression within the epidermally-derived YO, the only defined role for which is the synthesis of ecdysteroid moulting hormones, to elucidate peptides and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that might have a function in ecdysis.

Results

Transcriptome mining of the CNS transcriptome yielded neuropeptide transcripts representing 47 neuropeptide families and 66 putative GPCRs. Neuropeptide transcripts that were differentially expressed across the moult cycle included carcikinin, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone-2, and crustacean cardioactive peptide, whilst a single putative neuropeptide receptor, proctolin R1, was differentially expressed. Carcikinin mRNA in particular exhibited dramatic increases in expression pre-moult, suggesting a role in ecdysis regulation. Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone-2 mRNA expression was elevated post- and pre-moult whilst that for crustacean cardioactive peptide, which regulates insect ecdysis and plays a role in stereotyped motor activity during crustacean ecdysis, was elevated in pre-moult.

In the YO, several putative neuropeptide receptor transcripts were differentially expressed across the moult cycle, as was the mRNA for the neuropeptide, neuroparsin-1. Whilst differential gene expression of putative neuropeptide receptors was expected, the discovery and differential expression of neuropeptide transcripts was surprising. Analysis of GPCR transcript expression between YO and epidermis revealed 11 to be upregulated in the YO and thus are now candidates for peptide control of ecdysis.

Conclusions

The data presented represent a comprehensive survey of the deduced C. maenas neuropeptidome and putative GPCRs. Importantly, we have described the differential expression profiles of these transcripts across accurately staged moult cycles in tissues key to the ecdysis programme. This study provides important avenues for the future exploration of functionality of receptor-ligand pairs in crustaceans.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5057-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

De novo assembly of a transcriptome for the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus prothoracic ganglion: An invertebrate model for investigating adult central nervous system compensatory plasticity

The auditory system of the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, demonstrates an unusual amount of anatomical plasticity in response to injury, even in adults. Unilateral removal of the ear causes deafferented auditory neurons in the prothoracic ganglion to sprout dendrites across the midline, a boundary they typically respect, and become synaptically connected to the auditory afferents of the contralateral ear. The molecular basis of this sprouting and novel synaptogenesis in the adult is not understood. We hypothesize that well-conserved developmental guidance cues may recapitulate their guidance functions in the adult in order to facilitate this compensatory growth. As a first step in testing this hypothesis, we have generated a de novo assembly of a prothoracic ganglion transcriptome derived from control and deafferented adult individuals. We have mined this transcriptome for orthologues of guidance molecules from four well-conserved signaling families: Slit, Netrin, Ephrin, and Semaphorin. Here we report that transcripts encoding putative orthologues of most of the candidate developmental ligands and receptors from these signaling families were present in the assembly, indicating expression in the adult G. bimaculatus prothoracic ganglion.

A transcriptome study on Macrobrachium nipponense hepatopancreas experimentally challenged with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is one of the most devastating pathogens of cultured shrimp, responsible for massive loss of its commercial products worldwide. The oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense is an economically important species that is widely farmed in China and adult prawns can be infected by WSSV. However, the molecular mechanisms of the host pathogen interaction remain unknown. There is an urgent need to learn the host pathogen interaction between M. nipponense and WSSV which will be able to offer a solution in controlling the spread of WSSV. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was used in this study to determin the transcriptome differences by the comparison of control and WSSV-challenged moribund samples, control and WSSV-challenged survived samples of hepatopancreas in M. nipponense. A total of 64,049 predicted unigenes were obtained and classified into 63 functional groups. Approximately, 4,311 differential expression genes were identified with 3,308 genes were up-regulated when comparing the survived samples with the control. In the comparison of moribund samples with control, 1,960 differential expression genes were identified with 764 genes were up-regulated. In the contrast of two comparison libraries, 300 mutual DEGs with 95 up-regulated genes and 205 down-regulated genes. All the DEGs were performed GO and KEGG analysis, overall a total of 85 immune-related genes were obtained and these gene were groups into 13 functions and 4 KEGG pathways, such as protease inhibitors, heat shock proteins, oxidative stress, pathogen recognition immune receptors, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway. Ten genes that valuable in immune responses against WSSV were selected from those DEGs to furture discuss the response of host to WSSV. Results from this study contribute to a better understanding of the immune response of M. nipponense to WSSV, provide information for identifying novel genes in the absence of genome of M. nipponense. Furthermore, large number of transcripts obtained from this study could provide a strong basis for future genomic research on M. nipponense.

Three members of a peptide family are differentially distributed and elicit differential state-dependent responses in a pattern generator-effector system

C-type allatostatins (AST-Cs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides that are broadly conserved within arthropods; the presence of three AST-C isoforms, encoded by paralog genes, is common. However, these peptides are hypothesized to act through a single receptor, thereby exerting similar bioactivities within each species. We investigated this hypothesis in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, mapping the distributions of AST-C isoforms within relevant regions of the nervous system and digestive tract, and comparing their modulatory influences on the cardiac neuromuscular system. Immunohistochemistry showed that in the pericardial organ, a neuroendocrine release site, AST-C I and/or III and AST-C II are contained within distinct populations of release terminals. Moreover, AST-C I/III-like immunoreactivity was seen in midgut epithelial endocrine cells and the cardiac ganglion (CG), whereas AST-C II-like immunoreactivity was not seen in these tissues. These data suggest that AST-C I and/or III can modulate the CG both locally and hormonally; AST-C II likely acts on the CG solely as a hormonal modulator. Physiological studies demonstrated that all three AST-C isoforms can exert differential effects, including both increases and decreases, on contraction amplitude and frequency when perfused through the heart. However, in contrast to many state-dependent modulatory changes, the changes in contraction amplitude and frequency elicited by the AST-Cs were not functions of the baseline parameters. The responses to AST-C I and III, neither of which is COOH-terminally amidated, are more similar to one another than they are to the responses elicited by AST-C II, which is COOH-terminally amidated. These results suggest that the three AST-C isoforms are differentially distributed in the lobster nervous system/midgut and can elicit distinct behaviors from the cardiac neuromuscular system, with particular structural features, e.g., COOH-terminal amidation, likely important in determining the effects of the peptides. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Multiple isoforms of many peptides exert similar effects on neural circuits. In this study we show that each of the three isoforms of C-type allatostatin (AST-C) can exert differential effects, including both increases and decreases in contraction amplitude and frequency, on the lobster cardiac neuromuscular system. The distribution of effects elicited by the nonamidated isoforms AST-C I and III are more similar to one another than to the effects of the amidated AST-C II.

Circadian signaling in Homarus americanus: Region-specific de novo assembled transcriptomes show that both the brain and eyestalk ganglia possess the molecular components of a putative clock system

Essentially all organisms exhibit recurring patterns of physiology/behavior that oscillate with a period of ~24-h and are synchronized to the solar day. Crustaceans are no exception, with robust circadian rhythms having been documented in many members of this arthropod subphylum. However, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of their circadian rhythmicity. Moreover, the location of the crustacean central clock has not been firmly established, although both the brain and eyestalk ganglia have been hypothesized as loci. The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is known to exhibit multiple circadian rhythms, and immunodetection data suggest that its central clock is located within the eyestalk ganglia rather than in the brain. Here, brain- and eyestalk ganglia-specific transcriptomes were generated and used to assess the presence/absence of transcripts encoding the commonly recognized protein components of arthropod circadian signaling systems in these two regions of the lobster central nervous system. Transcripts encoding putative homologs of the core clock proteins clock, cryptochrome 2, cycle, period and timeless were found in both the brain and eyestalk ganglia assemblies, as were transcripts encoding similar complements of putative clock-associated, clock input pathway and clock output pathway proteins. The presence and identity of transcripts encoding core clock proteins in both regions were confirmed using PCR. These findings suggest that both the brain and eyestalk ganglia possess all of the molecular components needed for the establishment of a circadian signaling system. Whether the brain and eyestalk clocks are independent of one another or represent a single timekeeping system remains to be determined. Interestingly, while most of the proteins deduced from the identified transcripts are shared by both the brain and eyestalk ganglia, assembly-specific isoforms were also identified, e.g., several period variants, suggesting the possibility of region-specific variation in clock function, especially if the brain and eyestalk clocks represent independent oscillators.

Allatoregulatory-like systems and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ modulate feeding behavior in Hydra

Allatotropin (AT) and allatostatin-C (AST-C) are neuropeptides originally characterized by their ability to modulate the secretion of juvenile hormones in insects. Beyond the allatoregulatory function, these neuropeptides are pleiotropic acting as myoregulators not only in insects, but also in other groups of invertebrates. We have previously proposed the existence of AT and AST-C like systems in Hydra sp., a member of the phylum Cnidaria, which is a basal group of Metazoa, sharing a common ancestor with Bilateria. In the present study we analyze the regulatory effects of both peptides on the activity of the hypostome during feeding in Hydra sp. Furthermore, the importance of changes in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels involved in the response of the hypostome were analyzed. Physiological assays showed that while the presence of food or treatment with AT stimulates the extrusion of the hypostome, AST-C has an inhibitory effect on the behavior induced by both, food and AT. These facts suggest that both systems participate in the regulatory mechanisms associated with feeding and, as in insects, AST-C and AT may exert opposite effects. The use of thapsigargin (TG) and nifedipine, two compounds that modify the levels of cytosolic Ca²⁺, showed that changes in the levels of this ion are involved in the regulation of the activity of the hypostome. Indeed, these results suggest that the two basic mechanisms operating to increase the cytosolic levels of Ca²⁺ (i.e. the influx from the extracellular space and the release from endoplasmic reticulum) are relevant for the extrusion of the hypostome. Like in insects, the treatment with TG counteracted the effect of AST-C, suggesting that this peptide acts by reducing cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels. Furthermore, nifedipine prevented the myostimulatory effect of AT, showing that the effect of this peptide depends on the influx of Ca²⁺ throughout voltage-gated calcium channels. Altogether, these results suggest that the Allatotropin/Orexin and Allatostatin/Somatostatin regulatory systems could represent an ancestral mechanisms regulating hypostome activity and feeding behavior in Cnidaria.

Prediction of a peptidome for the ecotoxicological model Hyalella azteca (Crustacea; Amphipoda) using a de novo assembled transcriptome

Due to its sensitivity to many environmental and anthropogenic stressors, including a wide range of chemical compounds, Hyalella azteca, a freshwater amphipod, has emerged as one of the most commonly used invertebrates for ecotoxicological assessment.Peptidergic signaling systems are key components in the control of organism-environment interactions, and there is a growing literature suggesting that they are targets of a number of aquatic toxicants.Interestingly, and despite its model species status in the field of ecotoxicology, little is known about the peptide hormones of H. azteca.Here, a transcriptome was produced for this species using the de novo assembler Trinity and mined for sequences encoding putative peptide precursors; the transcriptome was assembled from 460,291,636 raw reads and consists of 133,486 unique transcripts.Seventy-six sequences encoding peptide pre/preprohormones were identified from this transcriptome, allowing for the prediction of 202 distinct peptides, which included members of the allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon, CCHamide, corazonin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/molt-inhibiting hormone, ecdysis-triggering hormone, eclosion hormone, elevenin, FMRFamide-like peptide, glycoprotein hormone, GSEFLamide, inotocin, leucokinin, myosuppressin, neuropeptide F, orcokinin, orcomyotropin, pigment dispersing hormone, proctolin, pyrokinin, red pigment concentrating hormone, RYamide, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin, tachykinin-related peptide and trissin families.These peptides expand the known peptidome for H. azteca approximately nine-fold, forming a strong foundation for future studies of peptidergic control, including disruption by aquatic toxicants, in this important ecotoxicological model.

Functional Characterization and Signaling Systems of Corazonin and Red Pigment Concentrating Hormone in the Green Shore Crab, Carcinus maenas

Neuropeptides play a central role as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and hormones in orchestrating arthropod physiology. The post-genomic surge in identified neuropeptides and their putative receptors has not been matched by functional characterization of ligand-receptor pairs. Indeed, until very recently no G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) had been functionally defined in any crustacean. Here we explore the structurally-related, functionally-diverse gonadotropin-releasing hormone paralogs, corazonin (CRZ) and red-pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the crab, Carcinus maenas. Using aequorin luminescence to measure in vitro Ca2+ mobilization we demonstrated receptor-ligand pairings of CRZ and RPCH. CRZR-activated cell signaling in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 0.75 nM) and comparative studies with insect CRZ peptides suggest that the C-terminus of this peptide is important in receptor-ligand interaction. RPCH interacted with RPCHR with extremely high sensitivity (EC50 20 pM). Neither receptor bound GnRH, nor the AKH/CRZ-related peptide. Transcript distributions of both receptors indicate that CRZR expression was, unexpectedly, restricted to the Y-organs (YO). Application of CRZ peptide to YO had no effect on ecdysteroid biosynthesis, excepting a modest stimulation in early post-molt. CRZ had no effect on heart activity, blood glucose levels, lipid mobilization or pigment distribution in chromatophores, a scenario that reflected the distribution of its mRNA. Apart from the well-known activity of RPCH as a chromatophorotropin, it also indirectly elicited hyperglycemia (which was eyestalk-dependent). RPCHR mRNA was also expressed in the ovary, indicating possible roles in reproduction. The anatomy of CRZ and RPCH neurons in the nervous system is described in detail by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Each peptide has extensive but non-overlapping distribution in the CNS, and neuroanatomy suggests that both are possibly released from the post-commissural organs. This study is one of the first to deorphanize a GPCR in a crustacean and to provide evidence for hitherto unknown and diverse functions of these evolutionarily-related neuropeptides.

Non-amidated and amidated members of the C-type allatostatin (AST-C) family are differentially distributed in the stomatogastric nervous system of the American lobster, Homarus americanus

The crustacean stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) is a well-known model for investigating neuropeptidergic control of rhythmic behavior. Among the peptides known to modulate the STNS are the C-type allatostatins (AST-Cs). In the lobster, Homarus americanus, three AST-Cs are known. Two of these, pQIRYHQCYFNPISCF (AST-C I) and GNGDGRLYWRCYFNAVSCF (AST-C III), have non-amidated C-termini, while the third, SYWKQCAFNAVSCFamide (AST-C II), is C-terminally amidated. Here, antibodies were generated against one of the non-amidated peptides (AST-C I) and against the amidated isoform (AST-C II). Specificity tests show that the AST-C I antibody cross-reacts with both AST-C I and AST-C III, but not AST-C II; the AST-C II antibody does not cross-react with either non-amidated peptide. Wholemount immunohistochemistry shows that both subclasses (non-amidated and amidated) of AST-C are distributed throughout the lobster STNS. Specifically, the antibody that cross-reacts with the two non-amidated peptides labels neuropil in the CoGs and the stomatogastric ganglion (STG), axons in the superior esophageal (son) and stomatogastric (stn) nerves, and ~ 14 somata in each commissural ganglion (CoG). The AST-C II-specific antibody labels neuropil in the CoGs, STG and at the junction of the sons and stn, axons in the sons and stn, ~ 42 somata in each CoG, and two somata in the STG. Double immunolabeling shows that, except for one soma in each CoG, the non-amidated and amidated peptides are present in distinct sets of neuronal profiles. The differential distributions of the two AST-C subclasses suggest that the two peptide groups are likely to serve different modulatory roles in the lobster STNS.

Insights Into Sexual Maturation and Reproduction in the Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) via in silico Prediction and Characterization of Neuropeptides and G Protein-coupled Receptors

Multiple biological processes across development and reproduction are modulated by neuropeptides that are predominantly produced and secreted from an animal's central nervous system. In the past few years, advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled large-scale prediction of putative neuropeptide genes in multiple non-model species, including commercially important decapod crustaceans. In contrast, knowledge of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), through which neuropeptides act on target cells, is still very limited. In the current study, we have used in silico transcriptome analysis to elucidate genes encoding neuropeptides and GPCRs in the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), which is one of the most valuable crustaceans in Europe. Fifty-seven neuropeptide precursor-encoding transcripts were detected, including phoenixin, a vertebrate neurohormone that has not been detected in any invertebrate species prior to this study. Neuropeptide gene expression analysis of immature and mature female N. norvegicus, revealed that some reproduction-related neuropeptides are almost exclusively expressed in immature females. In addition, a total of 223 GPCR-encoding transcripts were identified, of which 116 encode GPCR-A (Rhodopsin), 44 encode GPCR-B (Secretin) and 63 encode other GPCRs. Our findings increase the molecular toolbox of neural signaling components in N. norvegicus, allowing for further advances in the fisheries/larvae culture of this species.

Neuropeptide discovery in Proasellus cavaticus: Prediction of the first large-scale peptidome for a member of the Isopoda using a publicly accessible transcriptome

In silico transcriptome mining is one of the most effective methods for neuropeptide discovery in crustaceans, particularly for species that are small, rare or from geographically inaccessible habitats that make obtaining the large pools of tissue needed for other peptide discovery platforms impractical. Via this approach, large peptidomes have recently been described for members of many of the higher crustacean taxa, one notable exception being the Isopoda; no peptidome has been predicted for any member of this malacostracan order. Using a publicly accessible transcriptome for the isopod Proasellus cavaticus, a subcentimeter subterranean ground water dweller, the first in silico-predicted peptidome for a member of the Isopoda is presented here. BLAST searches employing known arthropod neuropeptide pre/preprohormone queries identified 49 transcripts as encoding putative homologs within the P. cavaticus transcriptome. The proteins deduced from these transcripts allowed for the prediction of 171 distinct mature neuropeptides. The P. cavaticus peptidome includes members of the adipokinetic hormone-corazonin-like peptide, allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, allatotropin, bursicon α, bursicon β, CCHamide, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/molt-inhibiting hormone, diuretic hormone 31, eclosion hormone, elevenin, FMRFamide-like peptide, glycoprotein hormone α2, leucokinin, myosuppressin, neuroparsin, neuropeptide F, pigment dispersing hormone, pyrokinin, red pigment concentrating hormone, RYamide, short neuropeptide F, sulfakinin, tachykinin-related peptide and trissin families, as well as many linker/precursor-related sequences that may or may not represent additional bioactive molecules. Interestingly, many of the predicted P. cavaticus neuropeptides possess structures identical (or nearly so) to those previously described from members of several other malacostracan orders, i.e., the Decapoda, Amphipoda and Euphausiacea, a finding that suggests broad phylogenetic conservation of bioactive peptide structures, and possibly functions, may exist within the Malacostraca.

Circadian signaling in the Northern krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica: In silico prediction of the protein components of a putative clock system using a publicly accessible transcriptome

The Northern krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica is a significant component of the zooplankton community in many regions of the North Atlantic Ocean. In the areas it inhabits, M. norvegica is of great importance ecologically, as it is both a major consumer of phytoplankton/small zooplankton and is a primary food source for higher-level consumers. One behavior of significance for both feeding and predator avoidance in Meganyctiphanes is diel vertical migration (DVM), i.e., a rising from depth at dusk and a return to depth at dawn. In this and other euphausiids, an endogenous circadian pacemaker is thought, at least in part, to control DVM. Currently, there is no information concerning the identity of the genes/proteins that comprise the M. norvegica circadian system. In fact, there is little information concerning the molecular underpinnings of circadian rhythmicity in crustaceans generally. Here, a publicly accessible transcriptome was used to identify the molecular components of a putative Meganyctiphanes circadian system. A complete set of core clock proteins was deduced from the M. norvegica transcriptome (clock, cryptochrome 2, cycle, period and timeless), as was a large suite of proteins that likely function as modulators of the core clock (e.g., doubletime), or serves as inputs to it (cryptochrome 1) or outputs from it (pigment dispersing hormone). This is the first description of a "complete" (core clock through putative output pathway signals) euphausiid clock system, and as such, provides a foundation for initiating molecular investigations of circadian signaling in M. norvegica and other krill species, including how clock systems may regulate DVM and other behaviors.

Characterization of the neuropeptidome of a Southern Ocean decapod, the Antarctic shrimp Chorismus antarcticus: Focusing on a new decapod ITP-like peptide belonging to the CHH peptide family

As part of the study of the resilience of Antarctic crustaceans to global warming, the shrimp Chorismus antarcticus was subjected to an analysis of global approach using the Next Generation Sequencing Illumina Hi-Seq platform. With this data a detailed study into the principal neuropeptides and neurohormones of this species have been undertaken. Total RNAs from whole animals were enriched with eyestalk extracts to ensure maximum sequencing depth of the different neurohormones and neuropeptides mainly expressed into the X organ-sinus gland complex, which is a major endocrine organ of their synthesis. Apart from the information that can provide the availability of the transcriptome of a polar crustacean, the study of neuropeptides of a caridean shrimp will partially fill the limited data available for this taxon. Illumina sequencing was used to produce a transcriptome of the polar shrimp. Analysis of the Trinity assembled contigs produced 55 pre-pro-peptides, coding for 111 neuropeptides belonging to the following families: adipokinetic-corazonin-like peptide, Allatostatins (A, B et C), Bursicon (α), CCHamide, Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormones (CHH), Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide (CCAP), Corazonin, Crustacean Female Sex Hormone (CSFH), Diuretic Hormones 31 and 45 (DH), Eclosion Hormone (EH), FLRFamide, GSEFLamide, Intocin, Ion Transport Peptide-like (ITP-like), Leucokinin, Molt-inhibiting Hormone, Myosuppresin, Neuroparsin, Neuropeptide F (NPF), Orcokinin, Orcomyotropin, Pigment Dispersing Hormone (PDH), Pyrokinin, Red Pigment Concentrating Hormone (RPCH), SIFamide, small Neuropeptide F (sNPF), Sulfakinin and finally Tachykinin Related peptides. Among the new peptides highlighted in this study, the focus was placed on the peptides of the CHH family and more particularly on a new ITP-like in order to confirm its belonging to a new group of peptides of the family. A phylogeny made from more than 200 sequences of peptides, included new sequences from new species besides Chorismus antarcticus, confirms the peculiarity of this new set of peptides gathered under the name ITP-like.