Hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (HCRT)

The **Hypocretin neuropeptide precursor (HCRT)** is a peptide precursor protein synthesized in the hypothalamus that gives rise to two mature neuropeptides, *orexin-A* (hypocretin-1) and *orexin-B* (hypocretin-2), by proteolytic cleavage[4]. Orexin-A and orexin-B regulate key physiological processes including arousal, wakefulness, sleep-wake cycles, energy metabolism, and appetite. The precursor gene, HCRT, is located on human chromosome 17 (17q21). Orexin peptides bind to and activate orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R), which are G protein-coupled receptors widely distributed in the central nervous system. Dysfunction or loss of orexin signaling is causally linked to human narcolepsy and has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The hypocretin/orexin system is a therapeutic target for dual orexin receptor antagonists, a new drug class for insomnia and other indications[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

HypocretinOrexin precursorOrexinPrepro-orexinPreprohypocretinHypocretin-1Hypocretin-2PPOXPPORXOXHcrtNRCLP1Orexin-AOrexin-B

Orexin receptor antagonism (dual orexin receptor antagonists inhibit OX1R and OX2R to induce sleep in insomnia) - Modulation of central nervous system arousal pathways - Modulation of appetite and energy expenditure via orexin receptors