About this Research Topic
Recent advances in genome/transcriptome sequencing enabled the identification of neuropeptide precursor proteins as well as their cognate receptors in species from a growing variety of animal taxa, providing novel insights into the evolution of neuropeptides. The highest diversity in structure is found in the arthropods. Arthropods also contain vertebrate-specific neuropeptides such as oxytocin or vasopressin, but it is still unclear which function they may have there.
Control of neuropeptide function is mediated by factors controlling rates of prepropeptide gene transcription, translation, degradation and secretion. Recently, the RNA interference technique has been used for a specific knockdown of neuropeptide preprohormones especially in so-called non-model organisms, in order to evaluate their peptide functions. Insect neuropeptides have been discussed as promising targets for the development of control agents against arthropod pests as well as for the development of novel drugs against parasitic helminths.
This Research Topic will cover all aspects of neuropeptide evolution, from structural diversity through functional conditions to practical applications of neuropeptides. We welcome submissions in the form of reviews and/or original research.
Keywords: Neuropeptides, neuropeptide evolution, neuropeptide signalling, neuropeptide precursor proteins, control of neuropeptide function
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.