Systems based approaches to unravelling neuropeptide-receptor interactions in nematodes

The neuropeptide profiles and predicted neuropeptide-receptor interactions presented advance our knowledge of neuropeptide signalling systems in nematode parasites and can inform and direct functional deorphanisation studies in a range of nematode species. Secondly, established physiology tools and available transcriptomic and peptidomics data in the nematode parasite Ascaris suum were used to investigate neuropeptide signalling in the reproductive system of this species, revealing putative conservation of neuropeptide function between the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and A. suum.

Finally, progress was made in the development of a novel receptor deorphanisation platform in A. suum, combining an established bioassay with functional genomics in this parasite. This method will enable the identification of post-RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown phenotypes and facilitate ligand-receptor matching in a parasitic nematode. The first successful transcript knockdown for an NP-gpcr gene in the ovijector of A. suum is reported.

In addition, an established A. suum body-posture assay shows promise as a post-RNAi bioassay for NP-GPCR deorphanisation. <br><i><br><br></i>