Global analysis of neuropeptides in cestodes identifies Attachin, a SIFamide homolog, as a stimulant of parasite motility and attachment

ABSTRACT: Many anthelmintics target the neuromuscular system, in particular by interfering with signalling mediated by classical neurotransmitters. Although peptidergic signalling has been proposed as a target of novel anthelmintics, current knowledge of the neuropeptide complement of many helminths is still limited, especially for parasitic flatworms (cestodes, trematodes and monogeneans). In this work, we have characterised the neuropeptide complement of the model cestode Hymenolepis microstoma. Peptidomic characterization of adults of H. microstoma validated many of the neuropeptide precursor (npp) genes previously predicted in silico, and identified novel neuropeptides that are conserved in parasitic flatworms. Most neuropeptides from parasitic flatworms lack significant similarity to those from other animals, confirming the uniqueness of their peptidergic signalling. Analysis of gene expression of ten npp genes by in situ hybridization confirmed that all of them are expressed in the nervous system and identified cryptic features, including the first evidence of dorsoventral asymmetry, as well as a new population of peripheral neurosecretory cells that appears to be conserved in the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. Finally, we characterised in greater detail Attachin, an experimentally validated SIFamide homolog. Although its expression is largely restricted to the longitudinal nerve cords and cerebral commissure in H. microstoma, it shows widespread expression in the larval nervous system of Echinococcus multilocularis and Mesocestoides corti. Exogenous addition of a peptide corresponding to the highly conserved C-terminus of Attachin stimulated motility and attachment of M. corti larvae. Altogether, this work provides a robust experimental foothold for the characterization of peptidergic signalling in parasitic flatworms.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive

ORGANISM(S): Hymenolepis Microstoma

TISSUE(S): Scolex, Whole Body

SUBMITTER: Sven Van Bael  

LAB HEAD: Uriel Koziol

PROVIDER: PXD033611 | Pride | 2022-06-13

REPOSITORIES: Pride