The Dh gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a diuretic peptide that acts through cyclic AMP

Cabrero, P. , Radford, J., Broderick, K., Costes, L., Veenstra, J., Spana, E., Davies, S. and Dow, J. (2002) The Dh gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a diuretic peptide that acts through cyclic AMP. Journal of Experimental Biology, 205(24), pp. 3799-3807. (PMID:12432004)

Abstract

Dh, the gene that encodes a CRF-like peptide in Drosophila melanogaster, is described. The product of this gene is a 44-amino-acid peptide (Drome-DH(44)) with a sequence almost identical to the Musca domestica and Stomoxys calcitrans diuretic hormones. There are no other similar peptides encoded within the known Drosophila genomic sequence. Functional studies showed that the deduced peptide stimulated fluid production, and that this effect was mediated by cyclic AMP in principal cells only: there was no effect on the levels of either cyclic GMP or intracellular calcium. Stimulation also elevated levels of cyclic AMP (but not cyclic GMP) phosphodiesterase, a new mode of action for this class of hormone. The transcript was localised by in situ hybridisation, and the peptide by immunocytochemistry, to two groups of three neurones in the pars intercerebralis within the brain. These cells also express receptors for leucokinin, another major diuretic peptide, implying that the cells may be important in homeostatic regulation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cabrero, Mr Pablo and Dow, Professor Julian and Davies, Professor Shireen
• Authors: Cabrero, P., Radford, J., Broderick, K., Costes, L., Veenstra, J., Spana, E., Davies, S., and Dow, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Experimental Biology
• Publisher: Company of Biologists
• ISSN: 0022-0949
• ISSN (Online): 1477-9145