Neuromedin U Receptor NMUR3 Regulates Autophagy, Thereby Enhancing Thermal Tolerance in C. elegans

Neuromedin U receptors (NMURs) represent a class of evolutionarily conserved G-protein-coupled receptors that play a pivotal role in a variety of physiological processes. However, the role of NMURs in the heat shock response has yet to be elucidated. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system, we demonstrate herein that functional loss of NMUR-3 results in reduced survival upon heat shock. The regulation of thermal tolerance by NMUR-3 is dependent on AMPK. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that NMUR-3 activates autophagy via AMPK, thereby contributing to protection against heat shock. The results of this study suggest that NMUR-3 is crucial for thermal tolerance in C. elegans.