Ancient role of vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptides as regulators of feeding revealed in an echinoderm.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vasopressin/oxytocin (VP/OT)-type neuropeptides are well known for their roles as regulators of diuresis, reproductive physiology and social behaviour. However, our knowledge of their functions is largely based on findings from studies on vertebrates and selected protostomian invertebrates. Little is known about the roles of VP/OT-type neuropeptides in deuterostomian invertebrates, which are more closely related to vertebrates than protostomes.

Results

Here, we have identified and functionally characterised a VP/OT-type signalling system comprising the neuropeptide asterotocin and its cognate G-protein coupled receptor in the starfish (sea star) Asterias rubens, a deuterostomian invertebrate belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. Analysis of the distribution of as

SUBMITTER: Odekunle EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6668147 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature