A. Hejnol

The Toll and Imd pathway, the complement system and lectins during immune response of the nemertean Lineus ruber

This study identifies immune-related pathways in the nemertean Lineus ruber through transcriptomics and immune challenge experiments, showing their involvement in immune response.

Peripheral and central employment of acid-sensing ion channels during early bilaterian evolution

The paper investigates the evolutionary emergence and functional role of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in bilaterian animals, finding they originated as a bilaterian innovation and were initially expressed peripherally before being incorporated into the brain.

Gene expression in the developing nemertean brain indicates convergent evolution of complex brains in Spiralia

This study examines gene expression in the developing nemertean brain, finding convergent evolution of complex brains in Spiralia through independent expansion of non-homologous regions.

Nemertean, brachiopod and phoronid neuropeptidomics reveals ancestral spiralian signalling systems

The paper analyzes neuropeptidomics in Nemertea, Brachiopoda, and Phoronida to map ancestral spiralian signaling systems, identifying conserved and novel peptides and receptors.

The evolution of the metazoan Toll receptor family and its expression during protostome development

This paper investigates the evolution of Toll receptors in metazoans and their developmental expression in protostomes.

A single origin of animal excretory organs

This study identifies a conserved molecular and structural basis for excretory organs across diverse animal species, suggesting a single evolutionary origin.

Morphology of the nervous system of monogonont rotifer Epiphanes senta with focus on sexual dimorphism between feeding females and dwarfed males

The paper describes the nervous system morphology of Epiphanes senta males and females, finding that males have a more compact nervous system lacking the stomatogastric part, correlating with their dwarfism and loss of digestive structures.

Active mode of excretion across digestive tissues predates the origin of excretory organs

The paper shows that Xenacoelomorpha and Cnidaria excrete toxins across digestive tissues, suggesting this was the ancestral excretory mode before specialized organs evolved.

Evolutionary implications of the microRNA- and piRNA complement of Lepidodermella squamata (Gastrotricha)

This study identifies miRNA and piRNA complements in Lepidodermella squamata, supporting a close evolutionary relationship between gastrotrichs and flatworms.

Changes in the neuropeptide complement correlate with nervous system architectures in xenacoelomorphs

The paper analyzes neuropeptide complements in xenacoelomorphs to infer ancestral bilaterian systems and their evolutionary correlation with nervous system architecture.