Computational analysis identified 1,557 NPY/RFamide-like receptors across 159 nematode genomes, revealing massive lineage-specific expansions and gene losses.
1,557 receptors across 159 speciesFrom just 41 known receptors in C. elegans, the expanded search revealed massive receptor diversity across nematode evolution
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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 numbers in context
- 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 the study worked
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.
Who was studied
Computational analysis of 159 nematode genomes across the phylum Nematoda
What this study cannot 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.
How to read the evidence
Rated moderate: rigorous computational genomics analysis using validated tools, but dependent on genome assembly quality across species.
When this study was published
Published in 2024. Represents the most comprehensive survey of neuropeptide receptors across nematode diversity to date.
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.
Questions still open
- Can the lineage-specific receptors be targeted by antiparasitic drugs?
- Do the expanded receptor families serve different functions in parasitic vs free-living worms?
Common questions
Why study worm receptors?
What is NPY's role in worms?
Read the original research
Evolution of neuropeptide Y/RFamide-like receptors in nematodes.
Heliyon, 10(14), e34473
Citation
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