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Neuropeptide Signaling in Insects

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Neuropeptide Systems as Targets for Parasite and Pest Control

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((volume 692))

Abstract

Neuropeptides represent the largest single class of signal compounds and are involved in regulation of development, growth, reproduction, metabolism and behavior of insects. Over the last few years there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of neuropeptide signaling due to genome sequencing, peptidomics, gene micro arrays, receptor characterization and targeted gene interference combined with physiological and behavior analysis. In this chapter we review the current knowledge of structure and distribution of insect neuropeptides and their receptors, as well as their diverse functions. We also discuss peptide biosynthesis, processing and expression, as well as classification of insect neuropeptides. Special attention is paid to the role insect neuropeptides play as potential targets for pest management and as a basis for development of insect control agents employing the rational/structural design approaches.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel

    Miriam Altstein

  2. Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Dick R. Nässel

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  1. Miriam Altstein
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  2. Dick R. Nässel
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Correspondence to Miriam Altstein .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    Timothy G. Geary PhD

  2. Parasitology, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK

    Aaron G. Maule PhD

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Altstein, M., Nässel, D.R. (2010). Neuropeptide Signaling in Insects. In: Geary, T.G., Maule, A.G. (eds) Neuropeptide Systems as Targets for Parasite and Pest Control. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 692. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6902-6_8

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