Peptidergic neurosecretory cells in insects: organization and control by the bHLH protein DIMMED

Abstract

This review considers evidence that defines a role for the transcription factor DIMMED in the regulation of insect neurosecretory cells. Genetic anatomical and molecular data all suggest DIMMED is a dedicated controller of the regulated secretory pathway. DIMM is normally expressed within diverse neuropeptide-expressing cells and appears highly correlated with a neurosecretory cell fate. Loss of DIMM is associated with deficits in display of neuropeptides and neuropeptide-associated enzymes. Gain of DIMM promotes such display in peptidergic cells and can confer such neurosecretory properties onto conventional neurons. We review models proposed to explain how DIMMED regulates these essential cellular properties.