Characterization of an allatotropin-like peptide receptor in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Following a reverse pharmacology approach, we identified an allatotropin-like peptide receptor in Tribolium castaneum. Allatotropins are multifunctional neuropeptides initially isolated from the tabacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. They have been shown to be myoactive, to be cardio-acceleratory, to inhibit active ion transport, to stimulate juvenile hormone production and release and to be involved in the photic entrainment of the circadian clock. A tissue distribution analysis of the T. castaneum allatotropin-like peptide receptor by means of qRT-PCR revealed a prominent sexual dimorphism, the transcript levels being significantly higher in the male fat body and reproductive system. The endogenous ligand of the receptor, Trica-ATL, is able to increase the frequency and tonus of contractions in the gut and in the reproductive tract of mature red flour beetles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (106 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We characterized an allatotropin-like peptide receptor in T. castaneum. ► We analyzed the down-stream pathways of the Tc ATR. ► Tissue distribution of the Tc ATR revealed a striking sexual dimorphism. ► Trica-ATL was shown to increase frequency and tonus of the contractions of the gut and reproductive tract of T. castaneum.