Project description:The objective of this study was to perform a detailed analysis of neuropeptides in A. japonicus by sequencing the transcriptome of neural tissue (circumoral nerve ring; CNR) and combining analysis of these sequence data with mass spectroscopic analysis of CNR extracts so that the structure of mature neuropeptides could be determined. Collectively, these data provide an important molecular basis for investigation of the physiological roles of neuropeptides in A. japonicus and other sea cucumber species.