Transcriptome and Neuropeptidome analysis of Carausius morosus

In the past few years, an increasing number of studies focused on the identification of neuropeptides from insects. Neuropeptides represent one of the largest classes of signalling molecules in animals and are involved in a wide range of physiological and behavioural processes such as reproduction, regulation of energy balance, circadian rhythm and locomotion. One of the most thoroughly studied insect species, with respect to locomotion behaviour, is the Indian stick insect Carausius morosus. In the stick insect detailed information exists on premotor networks in controlling walking. However, little is known about neuroactive substances such as neuropeptides, which could be involved in the generation and modulation of motor activity. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome of the central nervous system and characterized the neuropeptidome of C. morosus as complete as possible.