Neuropeptide roles in regulating physiology and behaviour.

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The application of chemical insecticides in agriculture and forestry has always been difficult to precisely control and, as a consequence, water, food crops and other beneficial organisms in our environment are being contaminated. As a consequence, consumers are increasingly looking towards pesticide-free 'organic' produce, but many of these products are limited within communities and more expensive to purchase. Also, air and water-borne insecticides can spread into field areas designated as organic. Wide-spectrum insecticides also kill non-target organisms in addition to the target pest insect. Because these chemicals can adversely affect human health, there has been increasing pressure over past decades to restrict their use in forestry and agriculture. However, effective alternatives remain scarce. Our research has been focused on identifying regulatory proteins within the insect nervous system that can inhibit the insects' ability to molt (undergo metamorphosis) or change the insects' food seeking (locomotion) or feeding behaviour. Our research has led the field in focusing on a protein receptor within the nervous system known as the allatostatin receptor. There are two different types of allatostatin receptors: one type controls the hormones that are required for metamorphosis and the other regulates locomotion and feeding. In studying the fruitfly we have learned that the pathway that creates juvenile hormones, required for metamorphosis, is complex relative to other insects. By understanding the regulation of the enzymes within this pathway,and how these receptors work, through identification of the biochemical pathways that they control, we will provide further insights into insect-specific targets for environmentally-friendly intervention important to agri-food and forestry.