APRP, the second peptide encoded by the adipokinetic hormone gene(s), is highly conserved in evolution: a role in control of ecdysteroidogenesis?
Since the early days of cloning the first adipokinetic hormone (AKH) gene, researchers recognized that this gene also codes for a joining region and for a second peptide called adipokinetic hormone precursor related peptide (APRP). In species with more than one AKH gene, such as locusts, APRPs can form both homodimers and heterodimers. Database analysis showed that APRPs might belong to the ancient family of growth hormone releasing factor but they still are functionally orphan. We investigated whether some of the APRP forms play a role in control of reproduction or/and growth via stimulation of ecdysteroidogenesis.
De Loof
Arnold
A
Biology Department of the K.U. Leuven, Zoological Institute, Leuven, Belgium. arnold.deloof@bio.kuleuven.be
Vandersmissen
Tim
T
Huybrechts
Jurgen
J
Landuyt
Bart
B
Baggerman
Geert
G
Clynen
Elke
E
Lindemans
Marleen
M
Husson
Steven J
SJ
Schoofs
Liliane
L
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D007301:Insect Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011761:Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism
D007301:Insect Hormones; D009842:Oligopeptides; D010455:Peptides; D011498:Protein Precursors; C044833:adipokinetic hormone; D011761:Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid