Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
07:16
Single Sensillum Recordings for Locust Palp Sensilla Basiconica
Published on: June 23, 2018
8.8K
Dopamine signalling in locusts and other insects
1Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|April 23, 2018
Summary
Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, regulates movement and exoskeleton formation in insects. Understanding its biosynthesis, receptors, and functions offers potential for novel insect pest management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Entomology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dopamine is a vital catecholamine neurotransmitter conserved across invertebrates and vertebrates.
- It plays critical roles in movement, pleasure, motivation, arousal, and memory.
- In insects, dopamine is essential for melanisation and sclerotisation, impacting exoskeleton formation and immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review general aspects of insect dopamine biosynthesis and breakdown.
- To discuss dopamine receptors, their pharmacology, and diverse biological functions in insects.
- To explore dopamine's role in locust phase phenomena and its potential in pest management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of dopamine's role in insect physiology and signaling.
- Analysis of dopamine biosynthesis pathways and degradation mechanisms.
- Examination of dopamine receptor pharmacology and function.
Main Results:
- Dopamine biosynthesis involves tyrosine conversion to L-DOPA.
- Conserved functions of dopamine in motor control and behavior are evident in insects.
- Dopamine signaling pathways are implicated in insect phase transitions and exoskeleton development.
Conclusions:
- Insect dopamine signaling is complex, with conserved and unique functions.
- Understanding dopamine's molecular and pharmacological properties can inform pest control strategies.
- Targeting dopamine pathways presents a promising avenue for developing new insect management approaches.
Related Concept Videos
01:47Osmoregulation in Insects
17.7K
Malpighian tubules are specialized structures found in the digestive systems of many arthropods, including most insects, that handle excretion and osmoregulation. The tubules are typically arranged in pairs and have a convoluted structure that increases their surface area.
17.7K
01:45Endocrine Signaling
68.2K
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
68.2K
01:30Bacterial Signaling
41.3K
Bacterial signaling can occur within bacteria (intracellular) or between bacteria (intercellular). At times, a group of bacteria behaves like a community. To achieve this, they engage in quorum sensing, the perception of higher cell density that causes changes in gene expression. Quorum sensing involves both extracellular and intracellular signaling. The signaling cascade starts with a molecule called an autoinducer (AI). Individual bacteria produce AIs that move out of the bacterial cell...
41.3K
01:28Yeast Signaling
17.3K
Yeasts are single-celled organisms, but unlike bacteria, they are eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus). Cell signaling in yeast is similar to signaling in other eukaryotic cells. A ligand, such as a protein or a small molecule released from a yeast cell, attaches to a receptor on the cell surface. The binding stimulates second-messenger kinases to activate or inactivate transcription factors that further regulate gene expression. Many of the yeast intracellular signaling cascades have similar...
17.3K
02:03What is Cell Signaling?
131.1K
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate to respond to the environment.
131.1K
01:21Paracrine Signaling
59.7K
Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...
59.7K