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Small peptide-mediated self-recognition prevents cannibalism in predatory nematodes.
- Source :
-
Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] 2019 Apr 05; Vol. 364 (6435), pp. 86-89. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Self-recognition is observed abundantly throughout the natural world, regulating diverse biological processes. Although ubiquitous, often little is known of the associated molecular machinery, and so far, organismal self-recognition has never been described in nematodes. We investigated the predatory nematode Pristionchus pacificus and, through interactions with its prey, revealed a self-recognition mechanism acting on the nematode surface, capable of distinguishing self-progeny from closely related strains. We identified the small peptide SELF-1, which is composed of an invariant domain and a hypervariable C terminus, as a key component of self-recognition. Modifications to the hypervariable region, including single-amino acid substitutions, are sufficient to eliminate self-recognition. Thus, the P. pacificus self-recognition system enables this nematode to avoid cannibalism while promoting the killing of competing nematodes.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1095-9203
- Volume :
- 364
- Issue :
- 6435
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Science (New York, N.Y.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30948551
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aav9856