Neurophysin (NP)

Neurophysin refers to a family of carrier proteins found in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus that bind and transport the peptide hormones oxytocin (by Neurophysin I) and vasopressin/antidiuretic hormone (by Neurophysin II) to the posterior pituitary for regulated secretion[1][3][4]. Neurophysins are generated from larger pre-prohormone precursors (pre-pro-oxytocin, pre-pro-vasopressin), with each neurophysin remaining associated with its hormone to facilitate sorting into secretory granules and stabilization during transit[3][4]. Upon neurosecretory vesicle exocytosis, neurophysin and its associated hormone are released into the bloodstream. Neurophysins do not have known direct signaling or regulatory function outside their role as hormone carriers, and currently there is no evidence they act as receptors, enzymes, or therapeutic targets[3][4].

Other names

Neurophysin INeurophysin IIVasopressin-associated neurophysin (for Neurophysin II)Oxytocin-associated neurophysin (for Neurophysin I)

Not applicable as a drug target. Drugs affecting vasopressin or oxytocin do so by acting on their respective receptors, not via neurophysin.