Identification of neuromedin U precursor-related peptide and its possible role in the regulation of prolactin release.

The discovery of neuropeptides provides insights into the regulation of physiological processes. The precursor for the neuropeptide neuromedin U contains multiple consensus sequences for proteolytic processing, suggesting that this precursor might generate additional peptides. We performed immunoaffinity chromatography of rat brain extracts and consequently identified such a product, which we designated neuromedin U precursor-related peptide (NURP).

Discovery of a Human Neuromedin U Receptor 1-Selective Hexapeptide Agonist with Enhanced Serum Stability.

Neuromedin U (NMU) activates two NMU receptors (NMUR1 and NMUR2) and is a useful antiobesity drug lead. We report discovery of a hexapeptide agonist, 2-thienylacetyl-Trp-Phe(4-F)-Arg-Pro-Arg-Asn-NH (4). However, the NMUR1 selectivity and serum stability of this agonist were unsatisfactory.

Different distribution of neuromedin S and its mRNA in the rat brain: NMS peptide is present not only in the hypothalamus as the mRNA, but also in the brainstem.

Neuromedin S (NMS) is a neuropeptide identified as another endogenous ligand for two orphan G protein-coupled receptors, FM-3/GPR66 and FM-4/TGR-1, which have also been identified as types 1 and 2 receptors for neuromedin U structurally related to NMS. Although expression of NMS mRNA is found mainly in the brain, spleen, and testis, the distribution of its peptide has not yet been investigated. Using a newly prepared antiserum, we developed a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay for rat NMS.