Neuropeptides in modulation of Drosophila behavior: how to get a grip on their pleiotropic actions

Dick R. Nässel, Dennis Pauls, Wolf Huetteroth

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Neuropeptides constitute a large and diverse class of signaling molecules that are produced by many types of neurons, neurosecretory cells, endocrines and other cells. Many neuropeptides display pleiotropic actions either as neuromodulators, co-transmitters or circulating hormones, while some play these roles concurrently. Here, we highlight pleiotropic functions of neuropeptides and different levels of neuropeptide signaling in the brain, from context-dependent orchestrating signaling by higher order neurons, to local executive modulation in specific circuits. Additionally, orchestrating neurons receive peptidergic signals from neurons conveying organismal internal state cues and relay these to executive circuits. We exemplify these levels of signaling with four neuropeptides, SIFamide, short neuropeptide F, allatostatin-A and leucokinin, each with a specific expression pattern and level of complexity in signaling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science
Volume36
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019
Externally publishedYes

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