CDNA cloning and transcript distribution of two different neuroparsin precursors in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria

Neuroparsins were originally identified in locust corpus cardiacum extracts as folliculostatic or 'antigonadotropic' neuropeptides. This paper present s the cloning of two different neuroparsin precursor cDNAs from the brain o f the desert locust, Schistocera gregaria, The first transcript encodes the precursor (Scg-NPP1) of S, gregeria neuroparsin A and B, whereas the secon d codes for a novel neuroparsin-related peptide precursor (Scg-NPP2), Both precursors display significant sequence similarities with each other and wi th the Locusts migratoria neuroparsin (Lom-NPP) and Aedes aegypti ovary ecd ysteroidogenic hormone (Aea-OEH1) precursors. Northern blot analysis reveal ed that these neuroparsin transcripts are present in larval and adult locus t brains. Interestingly, the Scg-NPP2 mRNA content proved to be strongly re gulated during the reproductive cycle in bath adult males and females.