Neurotensin (NT)

Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid peptide that acts both as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and as a hormone in the gastrointestinal tract. In the brain, neurotensin modulates the activity of dopamine pathways, exerts analgesic, hypothermic, and anorectic effects, and influences pituitary hormone secretion and other neuromodulatory functions. In the gut, it is secreted from N cells of the jejuno-ileal mucosa postprandially, regulating digestive enzyme release, gastrointestinal motility, and mucosal growth. Neurotensin is synthesized as part of a larger precursor that also gives rise to neuromedin N, and exerts its physiological effects mainly through activating the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1), a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor. Neurotensin and its signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including several cancers and CNS disorders. It is a well-established experimental and potential therapeutic target, primarily through its receptor, but presents challenges in therapeutic targeting due to its diverse effects and potential for adverse impacts, particularly on tumor growth and CNS function

Other names

NeurotensinNTSNTNeuromedin NLarge neuromedin NTail peptidepro-neurotensin/neuromedinNMN-125NNNT/N

Drugs targeting neurotensin or its receptor typically act by modulating signal transduction via the neurotensin (NTS1) receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, either as agonists to mimic neurotensin's action or as antagonists to block it