Reverse endocrinology, or “hormones” seeking functions

Traditionally, endocrinologists have discovered hormones by identifying, thanks to a suitable bioassay, which effectors are involved in the control of a given biological function. By contrast, “Reverse Endocrinologists” first obtain the evidence for “hormones” by using available biochemical methods, and then try to determine what their function may be, usually by analogy with what has been formerly established in other animal groups by “Classical Endocrinologists”.

This problem is exemplified by ecdysteroids and vertebrate-type steroids, that are widespread among invertebrates. In many cases, it is not known whether these compounds are endogenously synthesized or if they originate from the food. Little is known concerning their possible hormonal functions, with the exception, of course, of ecdysteroids in Arthropods, where they were originally discovered.

Up to now, searching for the possible hormonal function of molecules isolated with “heterologous” tools, i.e. performing “reverse endocrinology”, has appeared a disappointing approach for the identification of physiological regulators.