Structure and function of neuropeptide F in insects

Abstract Insect neuropeptides are a group of brain neuro-regulatory factors, which plays very important roles in growth and development, molting and metamorphosis, as well as mating and reproduction. The neuropeptide F (NPF), a multi-functional neuropeptide, is one of neuropeptides identified in numerous insect species, which plays important roles in feeding, metabolism, courtship, reproduction, aggression, ethanol sensitivity, locomotor circadian rhythms, learning and stress responses. These roles of NPF are implemented through NPF receptors (NPFR). The NPFR1, a G protein-coupled receptor with 7 transmembrane domains, is one of these receptors and is found to be important for NPF regulation. The NPF usually is consisted of around 36–40 amino acid residues, but the short neuropeptide F (sNPF) consisted of 7–16 amino acid residues have also been found in some insects. In this review, the structure and function of both NPF and sNPF in insects are discussed.