calcitonin gene-related peptide

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide derived from the alternative processing of mRNA from the calcitonin gene. It is widely distributed in the brain, gut, perivascular nerves, and other tissues. CGRP acts as a potent endogenous vasodilator and plays significant roles in circulatory regulation and neurotransmission. It has been implicated in migraine pathophysiology due to its ability to cause vasodilation, mast cell degranulation, and plasma extravasation when released by sensory neurons during migraine attacks. Elevated levels of CGRP are observed during migraines and other conditions such as cardiac failure and hypertension. As a drug candidate (not an approved pharmaceutical), exogenous CGRP has demonstrated bronchodilatory, bronchoprotective, anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies[7][6][9].

Other names

calcitonin gene related peptidecalcitonin-gene-related peptide