The role of alpha-amidated neuropeptides in hydroid development--LWamides and metamorphosis in Hydractinia echinata.

摘要: Peptides are increasingly attracting attention as primary signals in the control of development. Even though a large number peptides have been characterized cnidarians, little experimental evidence addresses their endogenous role. The life cycle Hydractinia echinata includes metamorphosis from planula larva into adult stage polyp. This process conversion internal signalling, which controls cell activity, differentiation, death and proportion-controlled morphogenesis. LWamide considered to be part system. We implemented methods silence gene activity by dsRNAi show substantial knock-down activity. In addition, function was knocked-out pharmacologically targeting biosynthesis amidated thus preventing functional LWamides. Here we that extinction bioactive LWamides planulae causes loss competence, deficiency can rescued synthetic peptides. Thus, it is shown indispensable act conveying outer stimuli target cells within animal. Considering non-availability genetic analysis so-far limited success expressing transgenes hydroids, functions difficult analyse hydroids. approach outlined here suitable for genes encoding