An ancient monoaminergic signaling system coordinates contractility in a nerveless sponge
Rong Xuan Zang, Nawaphat Malaiwong, Ling Wang, Jamie D. Maziarz, Kejue Jia, Bernhard Drotleff, Frank Stein, Mah Noor, C. Jackson Roberts, Mandy Rettel, Jennifer Schwarz, Aissam Ikmi, Shigeki Watanabe, Robert Prevedel, Michael P. O’Donnell, Jacob M. Musser
This study identifies an ancient monoaminergic system in sponges that coordinates contractility through tryptamine signaling, predating neurons.
bioRxiv · Feb 17, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology