Dense and distributed neuropeptide network in the nerve net of Hydra vulgaris
Fig 5
Dense neuropeptide-GPCR network.
Network derived from predicted neuropeptide-GPCR interaction, showing hub nodes within and between cell types. (A) Cellular matrix, where rows denote sending neurons, while columns denote receiving neurons. Communication strength is color-coded, with red indicating high intensity and blue indicating low intensity. Strength is calculated based on number and expression levels of GPCR-neuropeptide combinations. Note widespread high density of interactions. (B) Spatial distribution of 11 neuronal subtypes along the Hydra´s body (adapted from [21]. (C) Neuronal cell type-level network showing strongly connected ectodermal communication hub, with clustering based on connection similarity. (D) Topology of neuronal interactions via neuropeptides/GPCRs, illustrating a densely connected network with multiple communication pathways between cell types. Node placement is determined by directed force algorithms based on connections. Endodermal and ectodermal neurons are colored blue and pink, respectively. (E) Simplified version of D with strongest 30% of connections, highlighting ectodermal hub nodes.