Co-localization and co-transmission of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides is a core property of neural signaling across species. While co-transmission can increase the flexibility of cellular communication, understanding the functional impact on neural dynamics and behavior remains a major challenge. Here we examine the role of neuropeptide/monoamine co-transmission in the orchestration of the C. elegans escape response. The tyraminergic RIM neurons, which coordinate distinct motor programs of the escape response, also co-express the neuropeptide encoding gene flp-18. We find that in response to a mechanical stimulus, flp-18 mutants have defects in locomotory arousal and head bending that facilitate the omega turn. We show that the induction of the escape response leads to the release of FLP-18 neuropeptides. FLP-18 modulates the escape response through the activation of the G-protein coupled receptor NPR-5. FLP-18 increases intracellular calcium levels in neck and body wall muscles to promote body bending. Our results show that FLP-18 and tyramine act in different tissues in both a complementary and antagonistic manner to control distinct motor programs during different phases of the C. elegans flight response. Our study reveals basic principles by which co-transmission of monoamines and neuropeptides orchestrate in arousal and behavior in response to stress.

To survive, animals must adapt to a complex and challenging world in a way that is flexible and responsive, while maintaining internal homeostasis. Neuromodulators provide a means to systemically alter behavioral or physiological state based on intrinsic or extrinsic cues, however dysregulated neuroendocrine signaling has negative consequences for fitness and survival. Here I examine neuroendocrine function and dysfunction using the escape response in Caenorhabditis elegans. The RFamide neuropeptide FLP-18 is a co-transmitter with the monoamine tyramine and functions both synergistically and antagonistically to tyramine in coordinating escape behavior. Using behavioral analysis and calcium imaging, I show that FLP-18 functions primarily through the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) NPR-5 to increase calcium levels in muscle, enhancing locomotion rate, bending and reversal behavior during the escape response. Furthermore, I examine the relationship between persistent acute stress and resilience using repeated activation of the escape response as a model of neuroendocrine dysregulation. Repeated activation of the escape response shortens lifespan and renders animals more susceptible to thermal, oxidative, and nutritional stress. Tyramine release is necessary and sufficient for this effect and activity of the tyraminergic RIM neurons is differentially regulated by acute versus long-term stressors. Impaired stress resistance requires both the GPCR TYRA-3 in the intestine and intestinal neuropeptide release. Activation of the insulin receptor DAF-2 is downstream of TYRA-3 and inhibits the transcription factors DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2 and HSF-1, linking monoamine signaling in acute stress to the insulin signaling pathway and impaired resilience to long-term stressors.