WE report the isolation of a Helix lucorum cDNA clone encoding a precu
rsor of neuropeptides that are closely related to Aplysia and Tritonia
pedal peptides (Pep). The predicted propeptide contains 20 copies of
the two variants of Helix Pep interspersed with Lys-Arg endopeptidase
cleavage sites. Northern blot hybridization revealed multiple Pep-hybr
idizing species in the Helix CNS RNA. The Pep gene was expressed by se
veral identified serotonergic neurones in pedal and cerebral ganglia,
groups of sensory neurones in procerebrum, peripheral neurones in olfa
ctory bulb, mantle and foot, and group of neurones in pedal ganglia pr
esumably involved in locomotion control. Pep mRNA was detected in seve
ral neurones at the early stages of nervous system development.