Abstract
The pyrokinin/pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PK/PBAN) family is one of the most studied neuropeptide (Np) families in insects and is one of the most important in insect physiology regulation. Physiological functions regulated by the PK/PBAN peptides include development, mating, muscle contraction, and tanning. Members of the family are found in many Lepidopteran and other insect species. In this chapter, we briefly present a historical perspective of the discovery of the PK/PBAN peptides, provide details on the structure of the PK/PBAN genes and the processing of their prohormone to bioactive peptides, describe the distribution of the mRNA and peptides in the insect nervous system, and summarize the current knowledge on the PK/PBAN receptors, their signaling mechanisms, and their biological activity. Employment of the PK/PBAN family of peptides as a basis for designing a novel generation of insect-control agents based on Np antagonists is also briefly discussed.
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