How do predatory nematodes avoid cannibalising their own offspring? In this episode, we explore a remarkable study that uncovers a peptide-based self-recognition system in Pristionchus pacificus. This system hinges on a single hypervariable peptide, SELF-1, which allows individuals to distinguish between kin and non-kin—preventing self-killing but enabling predation on rivals.

We discuss:

The discovery and characterisation of the self-1 gene How a single amino acid change can disrupt recognition The role of hypervariable C-terminal sequences in defining identity CRISPR-Cas9 experiments to map and manipulate self-recognition Why this system may represent a new form of species- and strain-specific recognition in the animal kingdom

📖 Based on the research article: “Small peptide–mediated self-recognition prevents cannibalism in predatory nematodes” James W. Lightfoot, Martin Wilecki, Christian Rödelsperger, et al. Published in Science (2019). 🔗 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aav9856

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How does a nematode’s feeding strategy shape its gut biology and disease resistance? In this episode, we explore a comparative gut transcriptomics study of Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus that reveals how changes in anatomy and lifestyle have led to major shifts in gene expression and pathogen susceptibility.

We discuss:

Why P. pacificus lacks the grinder structure and how this changes its digestion What makes their intestinal gene expression profiles so divergent, despite being close relatives The role of Hedgehog signalling and lineage-specific genes in intestinal development Surprising findings on gut pH stability despite transcriptomic divergence How these factors shape resistance to pathogens and environmental adaptation

📖 Based on the research article: “Comparative transcriptomics of the nematode gut identifies global shifts in feeding mode and pathogen susceptibility” James W. Lightfoot, Veeren M. Chauhan, Jonathan W. Aylott & Christian Rödelsperger. Published in BMC Research Notes (2016). 🔗 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-016-1886-9

🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more on nematode evolution, gut biology, and systems-level research.

This podcast is generated with artificial intelligence and curated by Veeren. If you’d like your publication featured on the show, please get in touch.

📩 More info: 🔗 ⁠www.veerenchauhan.com⁠ 📧 [email protected]