Scientists have identified a molecule that enables starfish to carry out one of the most remarkable forms of feeding in the natural world.

A starfish feeds by first extending its stomach out of its mouth and over the digestible parts of its prey, such as mussels and clams. The prey tissue is partially digested externally before the soup-like “chowder” produced is drawn back into its 10 digestive glands.

The researchers at Queen Mary, University of London and the University of Warwick have discovered a neuropeptide – a molecule which carries signals between neurons – called NGFFYamide, which triggers the stomach to contract and retract back into the starfish.

The findings could have economic and environmental implications by providing a potential mechanism for controlling starfish predation.

Maurice Elphick, Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at Queen Mary’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences who led the research, said: “These findings open up the possibility of designing chemical-based strategies to control the feeding of starfish.

“Starfish predation has an economic impact as they feed on important shellfish, such as mussels and clams. Periodic increases in starfish populations can also cause major destruction to Pacific reef tracts, such as the Great Barrier Reef, as certain species feed on reef-building corals.”

Dr Susan Slade from the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick used a technique known as mass spectrometry to analyse the neuropeptide.

“This work, in association with Queen Mary, University of London, is one of a number of our on-going academic and industrial collaborations which span a wide range of different biological systems.

“We are using mass spectrometry to analyse a very complex mixture of starfish neuropeptides of which NGFFYamide, identified in this study, is one.

“We continue to work with Professor Elphick's group to characterise the structure of many more of the neuropeptides that we have observed so far, using this successful approach.”

The study was published in The Journal of Experimental Biology.

Professor Elphick added: “Interestingly, we have also found that the neuropeptide behind the stomach retraction is evolutionarily related to a neuropeptide that regulates anxiety and arousal in humans.”

ENDS

‘Discovery of a novel neurophysin-associated neuropeptide that triggers cardiac stomach contraction and retraction in starfish’ was published online in The Journal of Experimental Biology.

For more information, please contact Dr Susan Slade on 02476 150439 or University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or a dot blackaby at warwick dot ac dot uk

For more information, please contact Dr Susan Slade on 02476 150439 or University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or a dot blackaby at warwick dot ac dot uk

Clearing 2013