Neural System and Receptor Diversity in the ctenophore Beroe abyssicola

Abstract

AbstractAlthough, neuro-sensory systems might evolve independently in ctenophores, very little is known about their neural organization. Most of the ctenophores are pelagic and deep-water species and cannot be bred in the laboratory. Thus, it is not surprising that neuroanatomical data are available for only one genus within the group - Pleurobrachia. Here, using immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe the organization of two distinct neural subsystems (subepithelial and mesogleal) and the structure of different receptor types in the comb jelly Beroe abyssicola - the voracious predator from North Pacific. A complex subepithelial neural network of Beroe, with five receptor types, covers the entire body surface and expands deeply into the pharynx. Three types of mesogleal neurons are comparable to the cydippid Pleurobrachia. The predatory lifestyle of Beroe is supported by the extensive development of ciliated and muscular structures including the presence of giant muscles and feeding macrocilia. The obtained neuroanatomy atlas provides unique examples of lineage-specific innovations within these enigmatic marine animals, and remarkable complexity of sensory and effector systems in this clade of basal Metazoa.Graphical AbstractAlthough, neuro-sensory systems might evolve independently in ctenophores, very little is known about their neuroanatomy. Here, using immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe the organization of two neural systems and five different receptor types in the comb jelly Beroe abyssicola - the voracious predator from North Pacific. The predatory lifestyle of Beroe is supported by the extensive development of ciliated, muscular, and nervous systems including the presence of giant muscles and exceptional feeding macrocilia. The obtained neuroanatomy atlas provides unique examples of lineage-specific innovations within this enigmatic group of marine animals.