Mass spectrometric characterization of the crustacean neuropeptidome

• We summarize recent studies on sequencing of both small and large crustacean neuropeptides using different mass spectrometric techniques.
• Various sample preparation methods are evaluated with their specific merits.
• Peptide and protein quantitation strategies are introduced and several examples of crustacean neuropeptide quantitation are described.
• Neuropeptide distribution studies by mass spectrometric imaging platforms are summarized.
• Bioinformatics developments greatly facilitate neuropeptide identification and sequencing.

Neuropeptides (NPs) are the largest class of signaling molecules used by nervous systems. Despite their functional importance, numerous challenges exist to characterize the full complement of NPs – the neuropeptidome. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MS-based techniques for NP identification and quantitation, as well as sample preparation strategies for various applications in several crustacean model organisms. By surveying published examples of crustacean neuropeptidomic analyses, we highlight challenges and progress in this dynamic field, and summarize the current state of knowledge about crustacean NPs and MS-based methodologies for NP analysis.

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