The proctolin gene and biological effects of proctolin in the blood-feeding bug, Rhodnius prolixus
Their paper was published in Frontiers in Endrocrinology in 2011. Proctolin is a neuroendrocrine peptide that has important neurological and endocrine functions in arthropods. Proctolin was previously reported to be absent from Rhodnius (right photo), a medically important blood sucking bug. DoHee, Rosa and their advisors show that proctolin is indeed present in Rhodnius and functioning in gut muscle contractions and increasing heart rate. This work advances our understanding of the neurophysiology of Rhodnius and other insects.
Great work, DoHee and Rosa!