Neuropeptide B (NPB)

Neuropeptide B is a regulatory neuropeptide produced in humans from a precursor encoded by the NBP gene, processed into active forms of 23 or 29 amino acids (NPB23, NPB29), sometimes uniquely brominated at the indole ring of the N-terminal tryptophan[1][2][3]. It acts as an endogenous agonist for two G protein-coupled receptors, NPBWR1 (GPR7) and NPBWR2 (GPR8), with NPB showing high affinity especially for NPBWR1[1][2][3]. Neuropeptide B is widely expressed in the brain (notably the hypothalamus, substantia nigra, hippocampus, and spinal cord) and various peripheral tissues, where it contributes to regulation of neuroendocrine functions, appetite, energy balance, hormone secretion, cardiovascular activity, pain perception, emotion, and potentially bone metabolism[1][2][3]. No approved drugs directly target Neuropeptide B; therapeutic approaches focus on its receptors.

Other names

Neuropeptide B-23Neuropeptide B-29NPBPPL7PPNPBhPPL7NPB23hL7NPB29hL7CPreproprotein L7prepro-NPBpreproneuropeptide Bneuropeptide Bpreproprotein L7

Not applicable for Neuropeptide B itself. For drugs targeting its pathway, mechanisms would involve modulation of NPBWR1/NPBWR2 signaling (e.g., agonists/antagonists of the receptors)[1][2][3].