FMRFamide-like FLP-13 Neuropeptides Promote Quiescence following Heat Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

Matthew D. Nelson, Kun He Lee, Matthew A. Churgin, Andrew J. Hill, Cheryl Van Buskirk, Christopher Fang-Yen, David M. Raizen

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    95 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Among the most important decisions an animal makes is whether to engage in active movement and feeding behavior or to become quiescent. The molecular signaling mechanisms underlying this decision remain largely unknown. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays sleep-like quiescence following exposures that result in cellular stress [1]. The neurosecretory ALA neuron is required for this stress-induced recovery quiescence [1], but the mechanisms by which ALA induces quiescence have been unknown. We report here that quiescence induced by heat stress requires ALA depolarization and release of FMRFamide-like neuropeptides encoded by the flp-13 gene. Optogenetic activation of ALA reduces feeding and locomotion in a FLP-13-dependent manner. Overexpression of flp-13 is sufficient to induce quiescent behavior during normally active periods. We have here identified a major biological role for FMRFamide-like neuropeptides in nematodes, and we suggest that they may function in a similar capacity in other organisms.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2406-2410
    Number of pages5
    JournalCurrent Biology
    Volume24
    Issue number20
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014 Oct 20

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
    • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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