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

🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more on whole-organism behaviour, evolution, and molecular mechanisms of identity. 🔗 www.veerenchauhan.com