Gáspár Jékely

This study shows that cholinergic and monoaminergic signaling originated before Bilateria, using a combination of metabolomics, phylogenetics, and single-cell analysis.

The paper optimizes a sample preparation workflow for array tomography volume EM of marine larvae, identifying effective fixation and staining methods.

The paper describes how Acropora coral larvae respond to light dimming by contracting and stopping ciliary movement, which may help them position themselves in reef environments.

The paper uses volume electron microscopy to reconstruct the neural network of the ctenophore statocyst, revealing its coordinating role in gravity sensing.

The paper investigates metachronal wave dynamics in the ciliary band of Platynereis dumerelii larvae, revealing local coupling within cells and a role for the nervous system in wave coordination.

The paper describes the whole-body synaptic connectome of a segmented annelid larva, identifying segment-specific and repeated cell types and pathways.

The paper identifies monoamine receptors in placozoans and shows they respond to monoamines, suggesting monoaminergic signalling originated before bilaterians.

This study identifies microalgal biofilm as a settlement cue for Platynereis dumerilii larvae, showing species-specific preferences and enhancing juvenile growth.

This study characterizes neural development in Owenia fusiformis, revealing the formation and reorganization of its nervous system during development and metamorphosis.

The paper identifies a NO-mediated retrograde signaling pathway in ciliary photoreceptor cells that gates a UV avoidance circuit in Platynereis dumerilii larvae.

The paper identifies 31 Nematostella vectensis GPCRs activated by 14 neuropeptides, showing cnidarian and bilaterian peptidergic systems expanded independently.

This paper analyzes the genome of Osedax frankpressi to show how genetic changes enable symbiotic digestion of bone, with reduced immunity genes and expanded protease genes.

The paper identifies two neuropeptide precursors with broad evolutionary conservation, suggesting neuropeptide signaling originated before neurons.

A whole-body serial electron microscopy volume of a three-segment Platynereis dumerilii larva gives over 1,500 reconstructed neurons, 6,500 non-neuronal cells, 180 neuronal types and traced sensory-to-effector pathways.

This study identifies a G-protein-coupled receptor (MIHR) in the jellyfish Clytia that mediates neuropeptide-induced oocyte maturation and shows its functional role in gamete development and spawning.

This study identifies an excitatory peptide/CCHamide in nemertean larvae that increases ciliary beat frequency and alters vertical swimming distribution.

The paper investigates whether the transcription factor Glass, essential for rhabdomeric photoreceptor formation in Drosophila, plays a similar role in other metazoans.

The paper identifies polycystin-mediated mechanosensation in Platynereis larvae that triggers a coordinated startle response for predator avoidance.

This study identifies diverse peptidergic signaling in placozoans, revealing cell-type-specific neuropeptide expression and behavioral responses that suggest peptidergic signaling predates synapses in nervous system evolution.

The paper studies chemosensory activity in Platynereis dumerilii using microfluidics and calcium imaging, identifying antennae as the primary chemosensory organs and reporting activity in brain regions similar to insect mushroom bodies.

The paper shows ciliary and rhabdomeric photoreceptors in Platynereis larvae functionally integrate to determine vertical swimming direction based on light ratios, acting as a depth gauge.

The paper identifies a telencephalon-like region in the adult amphioxus brain with molecular and developmental features similar to vertebrates, suggesting a key link in chordate brain evolution.

The paper identifies a dual signaling mechanism for Wamide peptides in Platynereis, involving both a peptide-gated ion channel and a GPCR, and shows they target distinct neurons.

The paper maps the synaptic and peptidergic connectome of a neurosecretory centre in the annelid brain, revealing non-synaptic signalling and peptide-receptor interactions.

The paper identifies an ancient FMRFamide-related neuropeptide and its receptor that induce coordinated defensive behaviors in brachiopod larvae.

The paper identifies ciliomotor neurons in Platynereis larvae that coordinate ciliary activity through cholinergic, serotonergic, and catecholaminergic signaling.

This study shows that myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) regulates feeding in Platynereis postlarvae by enhancing gut peristalsis and pharynx extensions, and its knockdown inhibits feeding.