A5079618494- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Insect Resistance and Genetics
- Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autophagy in Disease and Therapy
- Plant Molecular Biology Research
- Pancreatic function and diabetes
- Crustacean biology and ecology
- Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis
- Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Plant and animal studies
- Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Estrogen and related hormone effects
- Congenital heart defects research
- Exercise and Physiological Responses
- Insect and Pesticide Research
University of Copenhagen
2016-2025
Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology
2021
Roskilde University
2003-2013
University of Minnesota
2009-2010
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2006
Metamorphosis Receptor Identified One of the challenges facing many multicellular organisms is when to change from juvenile stage reproductively mature adult. In insects, this metamorphosis activated by brain-derived neuropeptide, prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), larvae reach a characteristic weight. Almost century after brain was discovered, Rewitz et al. (p. 1403 ) have identified PTTH receptor and its signaling cascade. The Torso (a tyrosine kinase that signals through Ras/Raf/Erk),...
Abstract Coordinating metabolism and feeding is important to avoid obesity metabolic diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms, balancing nutrient intake expenditure, are poorly understood. Several mechanisms controlling these processes conserved in Drosophila , where homeostasis energy mobilization regulated by glucagon-related adipokinetic hormone (AKH) insulin-like peptides (DILPs). Here, we provide evidence that neuropeptide Allatostatin A (AstA) regulates AKH DILP signaling. The AstA...
Animal development is coupled with innate behaviors that maximize chances of survival. Here, we show the prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), a neuropeptide controls developmental transition from juvenile stage to sexual maturation, also regulates light avoidance in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. PTTH, through its receptor Torso, acts on two sensors--the Bolwig's organ and peripheral class IV dendritic arborization neurons--to regulate avoidance. We found PTTH concomitantly promotes...
The neuroendocrine peptides CCHamide-1 and -2, encoded by the genes ccha1 are produced endocrine cells in midgut neurons brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technique to disrupt -2 identify mutant phenotypes with a focus on ccha-2 mutants. We found that both larval adult ccha2 mutants showed significantly reduced food intake as measured flies Capillary Feeding (CAFE) assay (up 72% compared wild-type). Locomotion tests had locomotor activity especially around 8 a.m....
Behavior and physiology are orchestrated by neuropeptides acting as central neuromodulators circulating hormones. An outstanding question is how these function to coordinate complex competing behaviors. In Drosophila, the neuropeptide leucokinin (LK) modulates diverse functions, but mechanisms underlying interactions remain poorly understood. As a first step towards understanding mechanisms, we delineated LK circuitry that governs various aspects of post-feeding behavior. We found impaired...
Abstract Animals must adapt their dietary choices to meet nutritional needs. How these needs are detected and translated into nutrient-specific appetites that drive food-choice behaviours is poorly understood. Here we show enteroendocrine cells of the adult female Drosophila midgut sense nutrients in response release neuropeptide F (NPF), which an ortholog mammalian Y-family gut-brain hormones. Gut-derived NPF acts on glucagon-like adipokinetic hormone (AKH) signalling induce sugar satiety...
Abstract The intestine is a central regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Dietary inputs are absorbed through the gut, which senses their nutritional value and relays hormonal information to other organs coordinate systemic energy balance. However, gut-derived hormones affecting behavioral responses poorly defined. Here we show that endocrine cells Drosophila gut sense nutrient stress mechanism involves TOR pathway in response secrete peptide hormone allatostatin C, somatostatin homolog....
In crustaceans and insects, development reproduction are controlled by the steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Like other steroids, 20E, is synthesized from cholesterol through reactions involving cytochrome P450s (CYPs). CYP enzymes mediating 20E biosynthesis have been identified, but evidence of their probable presence in indirect, relying solely on ability to synthesize 20E.To investigate these genes crustaceans, genome Daphnia pulex was examined for orthologs genes, Halloween...
Steroid hormones trigger the onset of sexual maturation in animals by initiating genetic response programs that are determined steroid pulse frequency, amplitude and duration. Although pulses coordinate growth timing during development, mechanisms generating these not known. Here we show ecdysone drives juvenile-adult transition Drosophila is feedback circuits prothoracic gland (PG), major steroid-producing tissue insect larvae. These activation repression hormone synthesis, two key...
Abstract Organisms adapt their metabolism and growth to the availability of nutrients oxygen, which are essential for development, yet mechanisms by this adaptation occurs not fully understood. Here we describe an RNAi-based body-size screen in Drosophila identify such mechanisms. Among strongest hits is fibroblast factor receptor homolog breathless necessary proper development tracheal airway system. Breathless deficiency results tissue hypoxia, sensed primarily context fat through HIF-1a...
Abstract Animals maintain metabolic homeostasis by modulating the activity of specialized organs that adjust internal metabolism to external conditions. However, hormonal signals coordinating these functions are incompletely characterized. Here we show six neurosecretory cells in Drosophila central nervous system respond circulating nutrient levels releasing Capa hormones, homologs mammalian neuromedin U, which activate receptor (CapaR) peripheral tissues control energy homeostasis. Loss...