Leucokinin and Associated Neuropeptides Regulate Multiple Aspects of Physiology and Behavior in Drosophila
Year: 2021
Type: review
Abstract: Leucokinins (LKs) constitute a family of neuropeptides identified in numerous insects and many other invertebrates. The LKs act on G-protein coupled receptors that display only distant relations to other known receptors. In adult Drosophila, 26 neurons/neurosecretory cells of three main types express LK. The four brain interneurons are of two types, and these are implicated in several important functions in the fly’s behavior and physiology, including feeding, sleep-metabolism interactions, state-dependent memory formation, as well as modulation of gustatory sensitivity and nociception. The 22 neurosecretory cells (ABLKs) of the abdominal neuromeres coexpress LK and a diuretic hormone (DH44), and together these regulate water and ion homeostasis and associated stress, as well as food intake. In Drosophila larvae, LK neurons modulate locomotion, escape responses, and aspects of ecdysis behavior. A set of lateral neurosecretory cells, ALKs, in the brain express LK in larvae, but inconsistently so in adults. These ALKs coexpress three other neuropeptides and regulate water and ion homeostasis, feeding and drinking, but the specific role of LK is not yet known. This review summarizes Drosophila data on embryonic lineages of LK neurons, functional roles of individual LK neuron types, interactions with other peptidergic systems, and orchestrating functions of LK.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041940
Author: Dick R. Nässel
Institution: Stockholm University
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,788
Funders: Vetenskapsrådet, Stockholms Universitet
OpenAlex ID: W3133315899
