Definition

Allatostatins (ASTs) are pleiotropic neuropeptide hormones in insects and crustacean. There major function in the insect is the inhibition of juvenile hormone synthesis by the corpora allata and reduce their food intake¹

Discovery

The first identified ASTs were isolated from brain-retro cerebral complexes of the cockroach Diploptera punctata².

Classification

ASTs encompass a group of three families determined by consensus sequences, the cockroach type representing the FGLa family, the cricket type representing the W(X)6 Wa family and the PISCF family ¹.

Structural Characteristics

AST’s are 8-13 amino acids long, are amidated, and show sequence similarity, including a 3-amino acid sequence at the C-terminal end that is common to all four peptides. The peptide sequences are as follows: allatostatin-1, Ala-Pro-Ser-Gly-Ala-Gln-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Gly-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2; allatostatin-2, Gly-Asp-Gly-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2; allatostatin-3, Gly-Gly-Ser-Leu-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2; and allatostatin-⁴, Asp-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH23.

Mode of action

In mammalian cells, allatostatin bind to AST receptors to open G-protein coupled inward rectifying potassium channels, resulting in reduced membrane potential and input resistance4.

References

1. Stay B and Tobe SS (2007). "The role of allatostatins in juvenile hormone synthesis in insects and crustaceans". Annu. Rev. Entomo., 52: 277–99.
2. Pratt GE, Farnsworth DE, Fok KF, Siegel NR, McCormack AL, Shabanowitz J, Hunt DF, Feyereisen R (1991). Identity of a second type of allatostatin from cockroach brains: an octadecapeptide amide with a tyrosine-rich address sequence. Proc Natl Acad Sci., 88(6): 2412–2416.
3. Woodhead AP, Stay B, Seidel SL, Khan MA, Tobe SS (1989). Primary structure of four allatostatins: neuropeptide inhibitors of juvenile hormone synthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci., 86(15):5997-6001.
4. Tan EM, Yamaguchi Y, Horwitz GD, Gosgnach S, Lein ES, Goulding M, Albright TD, Callaway EM (2006). Selective and quickly reversible inactivation of mammalian neurons in vivo uses the Drosophila allatostatin receptor. Neuron, 1:57–170.