Arthropod neuropeptides function

G. Gade H. G. Marco, Structure, Function and Mode of Action of Selected Arthropod Neuropeptides. In Studies in Natural Product Chemistry (Bioactive Natural Products) Atta-ur-Ftahman, Ed. Elsevier Amsterdam, 2006 Vol. 33, pp 69-139. 

STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND MODE OF ACTION OF SELECT ARTHROPOD NEUROPEPTIDES... 

Like the AKH/RPCH peptides, insect PDFs and crustacean PDHs are now an established family of neuropeptides common to arthropods. Whereas the fimctions of AKHs are varied and well defined in insects, the function of PDFs in insects remains unknown. The immunocytochemical distribution of PDF in the cephalic nervous tissues of orthopteran insects points to a neuromodulatory role, with potential functions in circadian rhythms this would be an exciting area for further research. 

It is by no means surprising that structurally homologous neuropeptides have been identified in crustaceans and insects - they share, after all, a common ancestry. The functions of some of these neuropeptides have not been conserved in these arthropod groups and we discuss here a selection of neuropeptide families common to both. For each peptide family, we... 

The study of arthropods is of intense interest for basic research into comparative endocrinology. Active areas of research involve the evolutionary endocrinology of the MIH/CHH family of neuropeptides. Slight alterations in structure result in dramatic changes in function. These peptides evolved from a common ancestor to develop into an extremely multifunctional family of hormones. 

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