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Authentic FMRFamide is present in the polychaete Nereis virens
1Whitney Laboratory, University of Florida, St. Augustine 32086.
Peptides
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers identified FMRFamide, a neuropeptide, in annelid worms (Nereis virens) for the first time. This discovery suggests that simpler tetrapeptides are the ancient form of these important signaling molecules.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- FMRFamide-like peptides are a diverse family of invertebrate neuropeptides.
- These peptides have been found in molluscs and arthropods, but not previously in annelids.
- Annelids share a common ancestor with molluscs and arthropods, suggesting they might also possess these peptides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and identity of FMRFamide-like peptides in the annelid worm Nereis virens.
- To determine the evolutionary origins of FMRFamide-like peptides within invertebrates.
Main Methods:
- Immunoreactivity assays to detect peptide peaks.
- Microsequencing to determine peptide structure.
- Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) for precise mass determination.
Main Results:
- Two immunoreactive peaks were detected in Nereis virens.
- Microsequencing and FAB-MS identified only one native peptide: FMRFamide.
- The second peak was identified as a methionyl sulfoxide derivative of FMRFamide.
- Peptide levels in Nereis virens were significantly lower (10-100 times less) than in molluscs.
Conclusions:
- The identification of only a tetrapeptide (FMRFamide) in annelids suggests that tetrapeptides represent the ancestral form of this neuropeptide family.
- These findings support the hypothesis that tetrapeptides were present in the common ancestors of annelids, arthropods, and molluscs.
- This study provides evolutionary insights into the FMRFamide neuropeptide family.