Highly divergent neuropeptide – non-coding RNA regulatory networks underpin variant host-finding behaviours in Steinernema species infective juveniles

We conducted a transcriptomic and small RNA analysis of infective juveniles (IJs) from three behaviourally distinct Steinernema species. Substantial variation was found in the expression shared gene orthologues, revealing signatures that correlate with behavioural states. Ninety-seven percent predicted microRNAs are novel to each Surprisingly, our data provide evidence new family non-coding transcripts overlap neuropeptide loci, which influence microRNA regulation genes. These suggest differences expression, isoform variation, interactions could contribute within genus.