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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
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Multi-Faceted Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Neuropeptides in Callinectes sapidus
Published on: May 31, 2022
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Peptide and neuropeptide diversity and function in bivalves
Zhi Li1, João Cr Cardoso1, Deborah M Power2
1Comparative Endocrinology and Integrative Biology, Centre of Marine Sciences, (CCMAR/CIMAR-LA), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
General and Comparative Endocrinology
|November 10, 2025
Summary
Bivalve neuropeptides, crucial for their nervous system function, are diverse and complex. Understanding their roles offers insights into mollusc evolution and climate change impacts.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Mollusca represent the second most speciose phylum, exhibiting significant nervous system diversity.
- Neuropeptides and their receptors are increasingly studied due to genomic data availability.
- Bivalves, ecologically and economically important, face climate change threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diversity of peptide/neuropeptide systems in bivalves.
- To compare mollusc nervous systems and highlight bivalve neuropeptide gene complexity.
- To explore the functional roles of neuropeptides in bivalve physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on mollusc and bivalve neuropeptide systems.
- Comparative analysis of neuropeptide precursor and receptor genes.
- Synthesis of functional data regarding neuropeptide roles in bivalve physiology.
Main Results:
- Bivalves possess a complex array of neuropeptide precursors and orphan receptors.
- Significant diversity exists in neuropeptide gene families and their functions.
- Peptide/neuropeptide systems play a role in bivalve adaptation and physiology.
Conclusions:
- Characterizing bivalve neuropeptide functions provides insights into evolutionary success.
- This knowledge can inform models predicting climate change and anthropogenic impacts on bivalve biodiversity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions of these neuropeptide systems.
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