Ghrelin and obestatin prepropeptide (GHRL)

Ghrelin and obestatin prepropeptide (GHRL) is a protein precursor synthesized mainly in the stomach and processed post-translationally to yield two hormones, *ghrelin* and *obestatin*. Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone that acts as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1A), stimulating release of growth hormone from the pituitary and powerfully promoting appetite and food intake by acting on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus[1][2][3][4]. Ghrelin also regulates energy homeostasis, gastric motility and acid secretion, glucose and lipid metabolism, and impacts reward circuits, cardiovascular and immune systems, sleep-wake cycle, and reproductive functions[1][2][3]. Obestatin, derived from the same precursor, was first proposed to have effects opposing ghrelin (reducing food intake and modulating gut motility), but its physiological role remains disputed and may include effects on adipocytes and metabolism[1]. GHRL activity is implicated in disorders of energy balance such as obesity, anorexia, cachexia, metabolic syndromes, and cardiovascular disease, and it is a key target for both appetite-stimulating and anti-obesity pharmacological strategies[1][2][3].

Other names

Appetite-regulating hormoneGhrelin-27Ghrelin-28ObestatinMTLRPGrowth hormone secretagogueGrowth hormone-releasing peptideMotilin-related peptideProtein M46PreproghrelinGhrelin/obestatin preprohormoneGhrelin/obestatin prepropeptidePrepro-appetite regulatory hormoneIn2c-preproghrelinLenomorelin

Binds and activates growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1A (GHSR-1A) in the hypothalamus and pituitary leading to growth hormone release; stimulates appetite via activation of hypothalamic neural circuits; modulates glucose homeostasis and fat storage