@article {5564,
	title = {Characterization of a tachykinin signalling system in the bivalve mollusc Crassostrea gigas},
	journal = {General and Comparative Endocrinology},
	volume = {266},
	year = {2018},
	pages = {110-118},
	type = {regular},
	abstract = {<p class="rtejustify">Although tachykinin-like neuropeptides have been identified in molluscs more than two decades ago, knowledge on their function and signalling has so far remained largely elusive. We developed a cell-based assay to address the functionality of the tachykinin G-protein coupled receptor (Cragi-TKR) in the oyster Crassostrea gigas. The oyster tachykinin neuropeptides that are derived from the tachykinin precursor gene Cragi-TK activate the Cragi-TKR in nanomolar concentrations. Receptor activation is sensitive to Ala-substitution of critical Cragi-TK amino acid residues. The Cragi-TKR gene is expressed in a variety of tissues, albeit at higher levels in the visceral ganglia (VG) of the nervous system. Fluctuations of Cragi-TKR expression is in line with a role for TK signalling in C. gigas reproduction. The expression level of the Cragi-TK gene in the VG depends on the nutritional status of the oyster, suggesting a role for TK signalling in the complex regulation of feeding in C. gigas.</p>
},
	doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.003},
	author = {Marie-Pierre Dubos and Sven Zels and Julie Schwartz and Jeremy Pasquier and Liliane Schoofs and Pascal Favrel}
}
@article {5707,
	title = {Emergence of a cholecystokinin/sulfakinin signalling system in Lophotrochozoa},
	journal = {Scientific Reports},
	volume = {8},
	year = {2018},
	month = {11/2018},
	pages = {16424},
	abstract = {Chordate gastrin/cholecystokinin (G/CCK) and ecdysozoan sulfakinin (SK) signalling systems represent divergent evolutionary scenarios of a common ancestral signalling system. The present article investigates for the first time the evolution of the CCK/SK signalling system in a member of the Lophotrochozoa, the second clade of protostome animals. We identified two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the oyster\&nbsp;Crassostrea gigas\&nbsp;(Mollusca), phylogenetically related to chordate CCK receptors (CCKR) and to ecdysozoan sulfakinin receptors (SKR). These receptors, Cragi-CCKR1 and Cragi-CCKR2, were characterised functionally using a cell-based assay. We identified di- and mono-sulphated forms of oyster Cragi-CCK1 (pEGAWDY(SO3H)DY(SO3H)GLGGGRF-NH2) as the potent endogenous agonists for these receptors. The Cragi-CCK genes were expressed in the visceral ganglia of the nervous system. The Cragi-CCKR1 gene was expressed in a variety of tissues, while Cragi-CCKR2 gene expression was more restricted to nervous tissues. An\&nbsp;in vitro\&nbsp;bioassay revealed that different forms of Cragi-CCK1 decreased the frequency of the spontaneous contractions of oyster hindgut. Expression analyses in oysters with contrasted nutritional statuses or in the course of their reproductive cycle highlighted the plausible role of Cragi-CCK signalling in the regulation of feeding and its possible involvement in the coordination of nutrition and energy storage in the gonad. This study confirms the early origin of the CCK/SK signalling system from the common bilaterian ancestor and delivers new insights into its structural and functional evolution in the lophotrochozoan lineage.},
	doi = {doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-34700-4},
	url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-34700-4},
	author = {Julie Schwartz and Marie-Pierre Dubos and Jeremy Pasquier and C{\'e}line Zatylny-Gaudin and Pascal Favrel}
}
