The present invention provides Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR)
polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR.
In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells, and
methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the
identification of homologs in other species and of DmGPCR
agonists/antagonists useful as potential insecticides. The invention
further provides methods for binding a DmGPCR, methods for identifying
modulators of DmGPCR expression and activity, methods for controlling a
population of insects with a DmGPCR antibody, a DmGPCR antisense
polynucleotide, a DmGPCR binding partner or modulator, and methods of
preventing or treating a disease or condition associated with an
ectoparasite. Specifically, this invention discloses the matching of the
orphan Drosophila drotachykinin, droleucokinin, and drostatin-C receptors
with their cognate peptide ligands.