Neurokinin A (NKA)

Neurokinin A is a member of the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, structurally related to substance P. It is produced by alternative splicing of the pre-protachykinin genes and acts as an endogenous ligand for tachykinin receptors, particularly the neurokinin 2 receptor (NK2R), but can also bind with lower affinity to NK1R and NK3R[3][4]. Neurokinin A is found in excitatory neurons and secretory cells throughout the nervous system and peripheral tissues. It plays important roles in modulating inflammation, pain transmission, tissue repair, cell proliferation, and visceral smooth muscle contraction[3][4]. While it has significant biological activity relevant to disease processes such as inflammation or pain disorders, neurokinin A itself is not a therapeutic target; rather its receptors—especially neurokinin 2 receptor (NK2R)—are considered drug targets[1][2][4]. Therefore "Tachykinins neurokinin A" refers to a peptide ligand rather than a canonical drug target or receptor.

Other names

Substance KNeuromedin LNKA