Characterization of sulfakinin and sulfakinin receptor and their roles in food intake in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

- Sulfakinin and sulfakinin receptor genes of Tribolium castaneum were cloned and proteins conserved in their active regions.
- qPCR demonstrated expression in over different developmental stages and high expression in the head.
- RNAi experiments with dssk and dsskr caused an increase of food intake.
- Injection of a SK analog in larval stages reduced food intake.