How do predatory nematodes avoid cannibalising their own offspring? In this episode, we explore a remarkable study that uncovers a peptide-based self-recognition system in Pristionchus pacificus. This system hinges on a single hypervariable peptide, SELF-1, which allows individuals to distinguish between kin and non-kin—preventing self-killing but enabling predation on rivals.We discuss:The discovery and characterisation of the self-1 geneHow a single amino acid change can disrupt recognitionThe role of hypervariable C-terminal sequences in defining identityCRISPR-Cas9 experiments to map and manipulate self-recognitionWhy this system may represent a new form of species- and strain-specific recognition in the animal kingdom📖 Based on the research article:“Small peptide–mediated self-recognition prevents cannibalism in predatory nematodes”James W. Lightfoot, Martin Wilecki, Christian Rödelsperger, et al.Published in Science (2019).🔗 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aav9856🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more on whole-organism behaviour, evolution, and molecular mechanisms of identity.🔗 www.veerenchauhan.com

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