Neurosecretory protein VGF (VGF)

Neurosecretory protein VGF is a non-acronymic, secreted polypeptide precursor belonging to the granin family, predominantly expressed in neurons and neuroendocrine cells throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and select endocrine tissues[1][2][3][6]. VGF is upregulated by neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)[1][2][5]. The VGF precursor undergoes proteolytic processing to yield several biologically active neuropeptides—including TLQP-21, TLQP-62, AQEE-30, NERP-1, and NERP-2—with diverse and complementary roles. These peptides regulate energy homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, learning, memory, neuroprotection, body fluid balance, and feeding behaviors[1][2][5][7]. Altered VGF expression and peptides have been implicated in psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, neuropathic pain, and glioblastoma, where VGF may serve as a biomarker or potential therapeutic target[1][2][5][7]. There are no approved drugs that directly target VGF; its functions are mediated through downstream effects of the derived peptides on various neuronal and glial receptors[2][7].

Other names

VGF nerve growth factor inducibleNeuroendocrine regulatory peptide-1Neuroendocrine regulatory peptide-2TLQP-21TLQP-62Antimicrobial peptide VGF[554-577]NERP-1NERP-2SCG7SgVIIneuro-endocrine specific protein VGFsecretogranin VII

Not directly targeted by approved drugs; VGF-derived peptides (e.g., TLQP-21, AQEE-30) may exert effects by binding neuronal and glial cell-surface receptors, modulating synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection[2][7].