Neuropeptides: The Slower Neurotransmitters

Neuropeptides, as the name suggests, are small peptides released by neurons that allow them to communicate with each other. These small peptides modulate the activity of neurons, in turn, allowing the modulation of multiple behaviors. Here, we describe how neuropeptides are made and go on to discuss how these peptides function in an organism. We also highlight the specific roles of neuropeptides in modulating the locomotory behavior of the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans.