title: Functional characterization of the short neuropeptide F receptor in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria.
abstract: Whereas short neuropeptide F (sNPF) has already been reported to stimulate feeding behaviour in a variety of insect species, the opposite effect was observed in the desert locust. In the present study, we cloned a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) cDNA from the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Cell-based functional analysis of this receptor indicated that it is activated by both known isoforms of Schgr-sNPF in a concentration dependent manner, with EC(50) values in the nanomolar range. This Schgr-sNPF receptor constitutes the first functionally characterized peptide GPCR in locusts. The in vivo effects of the sNPF signalling pathway on the regulation of feeding in locusts were further studied by knocking down the newly identified Schgr-sNPF receptor by means of RNA interference, as well as by means of peptide injection studies. While injection of sNPF caused an inhibitory effect on food uptake in the desert locust, knocking down the corresponding peptide receptor resulted in an increase of total food uptake when compared to control animals. This is the first comprehensive study in which a clearly negative correlation is described between the sNPF signalling pathway and feeding, prompting a reconsideration of the diverse roles of sNPFs in the physiology of insects.
authors: Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Senne
authors: S
authors: Dillen
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Zels
authors: Heleen
authors: H
authors: Verlinden
authors: Jornt
authors: J
authors: Spit
authors: Pieter
authors: P
authors: Van Wielendaele
authors: Jozef
authors: J
authors: Vanden Broeck
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001069:Appetite Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016466:CHO Cells; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006224:Cricetinae; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D006110:Grasshoppers / Q000502:physiology*; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide; C076101:neuropeptide F