| Primary Identifier | IPR013297 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | Neuropept_BW_pre |
| description | Two closely related neuropeptide precursors, which share no significant sequence similarity with other known neuropeptides, have recently been identified and named preproneuropeptide B and preproneuropeptide W [, , ]. In humans, each precursor contains a signal sequence and two dibasic cleavage sites. Alternative cleavage of these sites results in long (29 or 30 amino acid) and short (23 amino acid) forms of the resultant neuropeptides [, ]. Murine, rat and bovine versions of preproneuropeptide B, however, contain only the second cleavage site, resulting in only the long form of neuropeptide B [, ]. Neuropeptide B is expressed in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in the periphery. In the CNS, the highest levels of the peptide are found in the substantia nigra and hypothalamus, suggesting a possible role in locomotor control and the release of pituitary hormones []. In the periphery, the peptide is most abundant in testis, ovary, uterus, placenta, spleen, lymph nodes and peripheral blood leukocytes, indicating potential roles in the reproductive and immune systems []. Unusually, neuropeptide B purified from bovine hypothalamus was found to be brominated at its N terminus []. Neuropeptide W has a more limited distribution in the brain than neuropeptide B, and is found at highest levels in the substantia nigra, again suggesting an involvement in locomotor control []. In the periphery, neuropeptide W is more widespread than neuropeptide B. In addition to the reproductive and immune tissues in which neuropeptide B is expressed, neuropeptide W has been found at high levels in the liver, stomach and trachea []. Intracerebroventricular administration of neuropeptide W in rats has been reported to produce an acute increase in food intake and to stimulate prolactin release []. This entry represents the neuropeptide B/W precursor family. |
