Allatostatins

Definition

A family of neuropeptide hormones in insects and crustaceans that inhibit the synthesis of juvenile hormone by the corpora allata and suppress feeding behavior. These pleiotropic signaling molecules serve as critical regulators of insect development and metabolism, making them potential targets for novel insecticide development.

Etymology

From 'corpus allatum' (the endocrine gland producing juvenile hormone) + '-statin' (inhibiting agent), reflecting their primary function of allatal inhibition.

Example

In the cockroach Diploptera punctata, allatostatins produced by the brain and ventral nerve cord suppress juvenile hormone production during the late larval instars, ensuring proper timing of metamorphosis; synthetic allatostatin analogs are being investigated to disrupt this pathway in pest species.

Synonyms

• ASTs
• allatostatin neuropeptides

Related Terms

• Juvenile hormone
• corpus allatum
• neuropeptide
• insect endocrinology
• ecdysteroid
• allatotropin
• Metamorphosis
• Insect growth regulator

Usage Notes

Distinguish from allatotropins, which stimulate rather than inhibit juvenile hormone synthesis. Multiple allatostatin families (AST-A, AST-B, AST-C) exist with distinct structural motifs and receptor specificities; the term is sometimes used specifically for the original cockroach-type peptides or broadly for any allatostatic factor. Not to be confused with statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).