Detection and Localization of Neuropeptide Y in Biomphalaria glabrata, a freshwater snail
The freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata is best known as a host to Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm that causes schistosomiasis in humans, the second most prevalent parasitic disease in the world, after malaria. Understanding the mechanisms by which S. mansoni operates in B. glabrata can enhance the presently limited understanding of the snail-host and parasite relationship. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an energy budgeting neuropeptide present across a wide number of species, vertebrates and invertebrates alike, which regulates life-sustaining activities like feeding, growth, and reproduction. NPY was recently identified in B. glabrata, but not much else is known about it. The goal of this research was to conduct a deeper investigation into it since it was shown to be important in a similar host-parasite relationship. The aim of this study was to detect the presence and localization of NPY in B. glabrata embryos, juveniles, and adults. There is evidence for consistent presence of NPY in 7–8-day old embryos, juveniles of all ages, and adults. Prior to this research, NPY had only been identified in the central nervous system of adult B. glabrata, making the results of this research a novel addition to the growing understanding of NPY in B. glabrata.