Akinori Suzuki

A Novel Type of Receptor cDNA from the Prothoracic Glands of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

A cDNA encoding a novel heptahelical receptor from the prothoracic glands of the silkworm, Bombyx mori was cloned and sequenced during screening of a prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) receptor. Orthologs of this receptor are found not only in insects, but also in the vertebrates. In B. mori, ubiquitous expression of the mRNA was observed in the larva. Also, a higher expression level in the prothoracic glands was observed before molting and metamorphosis and was impaired after pupal molting. But, further analysis is required to confirm whether this receptor cDNA encodes the PTTH receptor.

Multifunctionality of PBAN-Related Neuropeptides: Melanotropic Activity of FXPRLamide Peptides

Insect neurohormones have a significant role in regulating diverse physiological events according to environmental conditions or to specific developmental stages. Recent advances in insect neuropeptide chemistry have made it possible to compare sequence homology between various neurohormones/neuropeptides and elucidate the core sequence of each neuropeptide required for biological activity.