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Background:Neuropeptides are the most diverse group of neuronal signaling molecules. They often occur as multiple sequence-related copies within single precursors (the prepropeptides). These multiple sequence-related copies have not arisen by gene duplication, and it is debated whether they are mutually redundant or serve specific functions. The fully sequenced genomes of 12 Drosophila species provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of neuropeptides. Results:We data-mined the 12 Drosophila genomes for homologs of neuropeptide genes identified in D. melanogaster. We then predicted peptide precursors and the neuropeptidome, and biochemically identified about half of the predicted peptides by direct mass spectrometric profiling of neuroendocrine tissue in four species covering main phylogenetic lines of Drosophila. We found that all species have an identical neuropeptidome and peptide hormone complement. Calculation of amino acid distances showed that ortholog pep

London, Aug 21 : Dogs are becoming smarter and are even learning morals, through spending time with humans, claim a group of researchers, who found that canines have a sense of right and wrong.

By Jacques van der Westhuyzen Lions boss Eugene Eloff has put his faith in the same group of players who pulled off a 30-27 win against the Blue Bulls two weeks ago to tackle the Cheetahs in a cruc...

The University of Texas at San Antonio Minority Basic Research Support for Continuous Research Excellence(MBRS/SCORE) program has been awarded a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The funding will support 10 faculty research projects in a variety of disciplines. MBRS/SCORE seeks to increase the participation of individuals from minority or underrepresented groups in scientific research.