Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a ubiquitous endocrine neuropeptide found in vertebrate and invertebrate. In our present work, two NPY-like exocrine conopeptides (designated as cono-NPYs) were first identified in the venom of cone snails. Both cono-NPYs showed sequence characteristics of invertebrate NPYs, suggesting that some exocrine venom peptides are probably evolved from the preexisting endocrine ...

To generate peptides for presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to T lymphocytes, the immune system of vertebrates has recruited the proteasomes, phylogenetically ancient multicatalytic high molecular weight endoproteases. We have previously shown that many of the proteolytic fragments generated by vertebrate proteasomes have structural features in common with ...

antimicrobial peptides (amps) are extensive group of molecules that produced by variety tissues of invertebrate, plants, and animal species which play an important role in their immunity response. amps have different classifications such as; biosynthetic machines, biological sources, biological functions, molecular properties, covalent bonding patterns, three dimensional structures, and molecul...

There is a growing body of literature describing the actions of endocrine disruptors on annelids. These pollutants cause decreases in growth and reproductive output, delay sexual maturation, and inhibit the immune system in annelids. More studies are needed to determine the mechanisms that underlie these responses. Most invertebrate endocrine disruptor research focuses on steroids. In recent ye...

The vasopressin-oxytocin family of peptides is of very ancient lineage, found in organisms as diverse as hydra and man. Although these peptides have been intensively studied in vertebrates, the presumably more extensive invertebrate series was defined primarily by immunological methods. In this report, we describe the purification and structures of two peptides of the vasopressin-oxytocin famil...

Peptides with sequence similarities to members of the tachykinin family have been identified in a number of invertebrates belonging to the mollusca, echiuridea, insecta and crustacea. These peptides have been designated tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) and are characterized by the preserved C-terminal pentapeptide FX1GX2Ramide (X1 and X2 are variable residues). All invertebrate TRPs are myost...

antimicrobial peptides has been isolated from animals and plants during the past two decades. Three novel classes of natural antibiotics (anionic peptides, aromatic dipeptides and processed forms of oxygen-binding proteins) have recently been isolated from different vertebrate and invertebrate species. In this article, we present an overview of natural animal anti-microbials, with an emphasis o...

Peptide neurohormones exist as functionally similar analogues in a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate phyla, and many have been implicated as cardiovascular regulators. In decapod crustaceans, these include the pentapeptide proctolin, crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) and the FMRF amide-related peptides F1 and F2, all of which are found in the pericardial organs located immediatel...