Asprosin

Asprosin is a protein hormone derived from the C-terminal cleavage of profibrillin-1, encoded by the FBN1 gene. It is mainly secreted by white adipose tissue during fasting and circulates systemically. Asprosin acts on the liver via the G protein-coupled receptor OR4M1 in humans (OLFR734 in mice) to stimulate rapid glucose release through the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier to regulate appetite via the hypothalamus by activating AgRP neurons through similar cAMP-dependent signaling, while suppressing anorexigenic POMC neurons. Asprosin levels are elevated in metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes and are implicated in the development of insulin resistance, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Due to its roles in energy homeostasis and metabolic disease, it is being actively explored as a therapeutic target, with potential interventions including neutralizing antibodies or small-molecule antagonists aimed at normalizing asprosin activity for conditions such as diabetes and obesity[1][3][4][5][9][11].

Other names

Fibrillin-1 C-terminal cleavage productFBN1 C-terminal peptide

For antagonists: Inhibition or neutralization of asprosin blocks its ability to stimulate hepatic glucose release and/or appetite, potentially improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hyperglycemia and hyperphagia[1][9][11].