The adipokinetic hormones and their cognate receptor from the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria: solution structure of endogenous peptides and models of their binding to the receptor.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuropeptides exert their activity through binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are well-known drug targets in the pharmaceutical industry and are currently discussed as targets to control pest insects. Here, we investigate the neuropeptide adipokinetic hormone (AKH) system of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. The desert locust is known for its high reproduction, and for forming devastating swarms consisting of billions of individual insects. It is also known that S. gregaria produces three different AKHs as ligands but has only one AKH receptor (AKHR). The AKH system is known to be essential for metabolic regulation, which is necessary for reproduction and flight activity.

Methods

Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (NMR) i

SUBMITTER: Jackson GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6718158 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature