Ancient feeding neuropeptides regulate ant alloparenting

nature.com

Two ancient neuropeptides, NPF and AstA, regulate brood care in ants. NPF increases brood care, while AstA decreases it. These neuropeptides' brain levels naturally change with ant age, influencing their age-related shift from brood care to foraging. Their levels also respond to nutritional status, affecting brood care behavior. This research reveals how evolution repurposed feeding-related molecules for cooperative behavior and division of labor in social insects.


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Ancient feeding neuropeptides regulate ant alloparenting | News Minimalist