Mapping Neuropeptide Y Receptors Across 159 Worm Genomes
Computational analysis identified 1,557 NPY/RFamide-like receptors across 159 nematode genomes, revealing massive lineage-specific expansions and gene losses.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Using an automated computational pipeline based on ExonMatchSolver, researchers identified 1,557 NPY/RFamide-like receptors across 159 nematode genomes: 1,100 NPR-type, 375 FRPR-type, and 82 C09F12.3-type receptors.
The receptor family is generally well-conserved across the nematode phylum, suggesting these receptors play essential roles. However, no other genus shares all receptors with Caenorhabditis, and there are extensive clade-specific duplications and losses. This means different nematode species have evolved unique receptor repertoires, likely adapting NPY signaling to their specific ecological niches.
Key Numbers
- 159 nematode genomes surveyed
- 1,557 NPY/RFamide-like receptors identified
- 1,100 NPR-type receptors
- 375 FRPR-type receptors
- 82 C09F12.3-type receptors
- 41 known receptors in C. elegans as starting queries
How They Did This
Researchers used sequences of selected receptor paralogs from C. elegans as queries and searched 159 representative nematode target genomes. They employed an automated pipeline using ExonMatchSolver for paralog-to-contig assignment and subclass-specific hidden Markov models for receptor detection and classification.
Why This Research Matters
NPY/RFamide receptors control fundamental behaviors in nematodes: movement, feeding, and reproduction. Understanding how these receptors evolved across nematode species could help develop new anthelmintic (anti-worm) drugs by identifying conserved drug targets. Some nematode species are devastating human and agricultural parasites.
The Bigger Picture
Parasitic nematodes cause massive disease burden in humans and livestock. Understanding their receptor biology could reveal drug targets that kill parasites without harming the host.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Computational analysis depends on genome assembly quality, which varies across species. Some receptors may be missed due to incomplete genomes or gene annotation errors. The analysis identifies gene sequences but does not confirm protein expression or function. Functional validation of predicted receptors was not performed.
Questions This Raises
- ?Can the lineage-specific receptors be targeted by antiparasitic drugs?
- ?Do the expanded receptor families serve different functions in parasitic vs free-living worms?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 1,557 receptors across 159 species From just 41 known receptors in C. elegans, the expanded search revealed massive receptor diversity across nematode evolution
- Evidence Grade:
- Rated moderate: rigorous computational genomics analysis using validated tools, but dependent on genome assembly quality across species.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024. Represents the most comprehensive survey of neuropeptide receptors across nematode diversity to date.
- Original Title:
- Evolution of neuropeptide Y/RFamide-like receptors in nematodes.
- Published In:
- Heliyon, 10(14), e34473 (2024)
- Authors:
- Reinhardt, Franziska, Kaiser, Anette(2), Prömel, Simone, Stadler, Peter F
- Database ID:
- RPEP-09140
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study worm receptors?
Parasitic worms infect billions of people and animals. Understanding their unique receptors could reveal drug targets for new antiparasitic treatments.
What is NPY's role in worms?
NPY/RFamide receptors control essential worm behaviors including movement, feeding, and reproduction — making them potential drug targets.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-09140APA
Reinhardt, Franziska; Kaiser, Anette; Prömel, Simone; Stadler, Peter F. (2024). Evolution of neuropeptide Y/RFamide-like receptors in nematodes.. Heliyon, 10(14), e34473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34473
MLA
Reinhardt, Franziska, et al. "Evolution of neuropeptide Y/RFamide-like receptors in nematodes.." Heliyon, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34473
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Evolution of neuropeptide Y/RFamide-like receptors in nemato..." RPEP-09140. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/reinhardt-2024-evolution-of-neuropeptide-yrfamidelike
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.