Invertebrate FMRFamide related peptides

In 1977 the neuropeptide fmrfamide was isolated from the clam,macrocallista nimbosa. since then several hundred fmrfamide-related peptides (farps) have been isolated from invertebrate animals. precursors to the farps likely arose in the cnidarians. with the transition to a bilateral body plan farps became a fixture in the invertebrate phyla. they have come to play a critical role as neurotransmitters,neuromodulators,and neurohormones. farps regulate a variety of body functions including,feeding,digestion,circulation,reproduction,movement. the evolution of the molecular form and function of these omnipresent peptides will be considered. © 2013 bentham science publishers.