Role of the neuropeptide F 1 in regulating the appetite for food in Locusta migratoria

BACKGROUND Neuropeptide F (NPF) is an intercellular signaling molecule that mediates many physiological and behavioral processes. However, the function of neuropeptide F in mediating the feeding behavior of Locusta migratoria has been unclear. RESULTS The neuropeptide F 1 precursor cDNA from L. migratoria was obtained and analyzed, and its amino acid sequence deduced. Mature LmiNPF1 was composed of 36 amino acids and was similar to that of Schistocerca gregaria. The spatial and temporal expression profiles of LmiNPF1 were investigated. LmiNPF1 was primarily expressed in the central nervous system, especially in the brain, and the expression levels were higher during the day than during the night. However, starvation activated LmiNPF1 expression increases, and downregulation of LmiNPF1 inhibited locust feeding behavior. CONCLUSION LmiNPF1 promotes the feeding behavior of the locust and is a potential molecular target to control locust feeding. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry The locusts (Locusta migratoria) tend to overeat with the increase of neuropeptide F 1, and those become inappetent with the decrease of neuropeptide F 1.