Neuropeptide W (NPW)

Neuropeptide W (NPW) is a short endogenous neuropeptide found in humans and several other species, encoded by the NPW gene, and produced as two active isoforms, neuropeptide W-23 and neuropeptide W-30, by proteolytic cleavage of a precursor protein. NPW acts as an endogenous ligand for two G protein-coupled receptors, NPBWR1 (GPR7) and NPBWR2 (GPR8), widely expressed in the central nervous system and some peripheral tissues. NPW signaling plays major roles in regulating feeding behavior and energy metabolism, modulating stress response via the HPA axis, influencing neuroendocrine hormone secretion, affecting cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, and modulating pain sensation and emotional responses. While NPW and its receptors represent potential therapeutic targets, especially for metabolic, pain, and stress-related disorders, no approved drugs are currently known to utilize NPW directly as a target[1][2][3][5][7].

Other names

Neuropeptide W-23Neuropeptide W-30Prepro-neuropeptide WPreproprotein L8PPL8PPNPWhPPL8NPW23hL8NPW30hL8CL8L8C

Acts as an endogenous agonist at neuropeptide B/W receptor 1 (NPBWR1, also known as GPR7) and neuropeptide B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2, GPR8) Modulates signal transduction via Gi-coupled G protein-coupled receptor activation, leading primarily to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and reduced intracellular cAMP[1][2][3][5]