Characterization of nAChRs in Nematostella vectensis supports neuronal and non-neuronal roles in the cnidarian-bilaterian common ancestor.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors likely evolved in the cnidarian-bilaterian common ancestor. Both receptor families are best known for their role at chemical synapses in bilaterian animals, but they also have described roles as non-neuronal signaling receptors within the bilaterians. It is not clear when either of the functions for nicotinic or muscarinic receptors evolved. Previous studies in cnidarians suggest that acetylcholine's neuronal role existed prior to the cnidarian-bilaterian divergence, but did not address potential non-neuronal functions. To determine the origins of neuronal and non-neuronal functions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, we investigated the phylogenetic position of cnidarian acetylcholine receptors, characterized the spatio

SUBMITTER: Faltine-Gonzalez DZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6825365 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature