Natriuretic peptide pathway (NPP)

The Natriuretic peptide pathway is a sophisticated endocrine and paracrine system central to cardiovascular, renal, and skeletal homeostasis. It consists of three primary signaling peptides—Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), and C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP)—which exert their effects by binding to specific transmembrane receptors (NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C) [PMID: 29212000, PMID: 31054359]. Activation of the guanylyl cyclase-linked receptors NPR-A and NPR-B increases intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to potent vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis, while simultaneously antagonizing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) [PMID: 21852445, StatPearls: Natriuretic Peptides]. In clinical medicine, this pathway is a major pharmacological target; for instance, neprilysin inhibitors like sacubitril prevent the breakdown of these peptides to treat heart failure, while CNP analogs like vosoritide are used to promote bone growth in achondroplasia [PMID: 25176015, PMID: 31216390]. Because this entry describes a multi-component biological pathway rather than a single molecular target, it is classified as containing too much information for a singular protein receptor or enzyme profile.

Other names

Natriuretic peptide systemNP systemNatriuretic peptide signaling pathwayANP-BNP-CNP pathway

Neprilysin inhibition to prevent degradation of endogenous natriuretic peptides; direct agonism of natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A and NPR-B); recombinant peptide supplementation.