The Wamide neuropeptide superfamily is of interest due to its distinctive functions in
regulating life cycle transitions, metamorphic hormone signaling, and several aspects of
digestive system function, from gut muscle contraction to satiety and fat storage. Due to
variation among researchers in naming conventions, a global view of ...
The Wamide neuropeptide superfamily is of interest due to its distinctive functions in
regulating life cycle transitions, metamorphic hormone signaling, and several aspects of
digestive system function, from gut muscle contraction to satiety and fat storage. Due to
variation among researchers in naming conventions, a global view of Wamide signaling in
animals in terms of conservation or diversification of function is currently lacking. Here, I
summarize the phylogenetic distribution of Wamide neuropeptides based on current data
and describe recent findings in the areas of Wamide receptors and biological functions.
Common trends that emerge across Cnidarians and protostomes are the presence
of multiple Wamide receptors within a single organism, and the fact that Wamide
signaling likely functions across an extensive variety of biological systems, including
visual, circadian, and reproductive systems. Important areas of focus for future research
are the further identification of Wamide-receptor pairs, confirmation of the phylogenetic
distribution of Wamides through largescale sequencing and mass spectrometry, and
assignment of different functions to specific subsets of Wamide-expressing neurons.
More extensive study of Wamide signaling throughout larval development in a greater
number of phyla is also important in order to understand the role of Wamides in hormonal
regulation. Defining the evolution and function of neuropeptide signaling in animal nervous
systems will benefit from an increased understanding of Wamide function and signaling
mechanisms in a wider variety of organisms, beyond the traditional model systems.