Neuropeptidergic signaling systems in C. elegans: diversity governed by similarity

For over a decade now, our laboratory focuses on the role of neuropeptides in the regulation of a variety of behavioral functions, using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Neuropeptides are important signaling molecules in the nervous system with the ability to act local (neuromodulation) or over larger distances (neurohormones). Though they are involved in the regulation of a diversity of processes, their biochemical mode of action is relatively uniform, allowing for a standardized technical approach when studying these systems. Examples studied in the worm include the pigment dispersing factor, gonadotropin releasing hormone, cholecystokinin andvasopressin/oxytocin systems. Rooted in our group's history, a brief overview of our major findings, research approaches, main obstacles and lessons for the future will be presented. The authors are grateful to the FWO Flanders and IWT Flanders research funds for financial supportstatus: publishe