Identification, presence, and possible multifunctional regulatory role of invertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone/corazonin molecule in the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis)

In the last years, the interpretation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuropeptide superfamily has changed tremendously. One main driver is the investigation of functions and evolutionary lineage of previously identified molluscan GnRH molecules. Emerging evidence suggests not only reproductive, but also diverse biological effects of these molecules and proposes they should most likely be called corazonin (CRZ).

Clearly, a more global understanding necessitates further exploration of species-specific functions and structure of invGnRH/CRZ peptides. Towards this goal, we have identified the full-length cDNA of invGnRH/CRZ peptide in an invertebrate model species, the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, termed ly-GnRH/CRZ, and characterized the transcript and peptide distribution in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs.

Our results are consistent with previous data that molluscan GnRHs are more related to CRZs and serve diverse functions. For this, our findings support the notion that peptides originally termed molluscan GnRH are multifunctional modulators and that nomenclature change should be taken into consideration.