The role of diuretic hormones (DHs) and their receptors in Drosophila

Maintaining internal homeostasis and regulating innate behaviors are essential for animal survival. In various animal species, a highly conserved neuroendocrine system integrates sensory inputs and regulates physiological responses to environmental and internal changes. Diuretic hormones 44 and 31, which are homologs of mammalian corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), respectively, control body fluid secretion in Drosophila. These neuropeptides and their re-ceptors have multiple physiological roles, including the regulation of body-fluid secretion, sleep:wake cycle, internal nutrient-sensing, and CO(2)-dependent response. This review discusses the physiological and behavioral roles of DH44 and DH31 signaling pathways, consisting of neuroendocrine cells that secrete DH44 or DH31 peptides and their receptor-expressing organs. Further research is needed to understand the regulatory mechanisms of the behavioral processes mediated by these neuroendocrine systems.