Peptide YY 3-36 (PYY 3-36)

Peptide YY 3-36 is a 34-amino acid peptide hormone produced by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV cleavage of peptide YY, which is released from L cells in the distal gut after eating. It is the predominant circulating form and functions as a selective agonist of the Y2 subtype of neuropeptide Y receptors (a family of G-protein-coupled receptors), thereby acting as an endogenous anorectic signal to inhibit appetite and reduce food intake, making it an important target for anti-obesity drug development. PYY 3-36 signals satiety to the brain and peripheral tissues via the Y2 receptor, leading to decreased feeding and improved metabolic parameters. In obesity, reduced postprandial PYY 3-36 release is associated with higher adiposity; pharmacological strategies aimed at enhancing PYY 3-36 action are in development for obesity and metabolic diseases, often in combination with GLP-1 analogs. Its value as a therapeutic target is limited by its short half-life, but engineered variants and long-acting analogs are being clinically evaluated.

Other names

Peptide YY (PYY)peptide tyrosine tyrosinePYY3-36PYY(3-36)

Selective agonist at the Y2 receptor (GPCR), leading to reduced food intake. Downregulation of hypothalamic and brainstem centers involved in appetite. Induction of satiety through peripheral and central Y2 receptor signaling.