[
European Worm Meeting,
2002]
Neuropeptides are a diverse family of signalling molecules, which play a critical role in neurotransmission in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans several distinct families of neuropeptides have been identified including the ubiquitous FMRFamide related peptides (FaRPs) whose members are characterized by containing the COOH-terminal RF-amide (Arg-Phe-NH2) motif. 22 FMRFamide-like peptide (flp) genes have been identified in C. elegans, which encode over 50 possible FaRPs. More recently 32 non FMRFa-like peptide genes have been identified encoding 151 further putative neuropeptides, including several peptides showing homology to the invertebrate neuropeptides buccalin and myomodulin. The majority of neuropeptides are thought to mediate their effects through G- protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Peptide activated GPCRs have been identified in invertebrates and vertebrates. However, despite the wealth of information regarding the identity of specific neuropeptides and their physiological actions in C. elegans and other nematodes, the role and identity of the receptors mediating these events is unknown. To address this we set out to identify and characterize the physiological role of neuropeptide activated GPCRs using reverse genetics.