Peptide YY (PYY)

Peptide YY is a 36-amino acid peptide hormone primarily produced by L-cells in the distal small intestine and colon in response to feeding. It exists mainly in two forms: PYY1–36 and the truncated form PYY3–36, which is generated by dipeptidyl peptidase IV cleavage. After a meal, circulating levels of PYY—especially PYY3–36—increase rapidly and act as a satiety signal by binding to neuropeptide Y receptors in the brain, particularly the Y2 receptor subtype. This binding reduces appetite and food intake while also slowing gastrointestinal transit ("ileal brake") and inhibiting gastric/pancreatic secretions. The structure of peptide YY features a PP-fold motif common to its family members (neuropeptide Y, pancreatic polypeptide), which is important for receptor interaction. PYY has been investigated as a potential therapeutic target for obesity due to its anorexigenic effects; synthetic analogs such as peptide YY(3–36) are under clinical evaluation for weight management. No major safety concerns or established biomarkers are currently associated with clinical use or monitoring of this target

Other names

Peptide tyrosine tyrosinePancreatic peptide YYPancreatic peptide YY3-36PYY1-36PYY3-36

Agonist at neuropeptide Y receptors, especially Y2 receptor, leading to reduced appetite and food intake