Tachykinin-4 (TAC4)

Tachykinin-4 (TAC4) is a member of the tachykinin family of neuropeptide precursor genes and is chiefly known as the precursor for hemokinin-1 (HK-1) and the endokinins (EKA, EKB, EKC, EKD). These peptides are processed from the TAC4 precursor and function as potent agonists for the NK1 and other tachykinin receptors, with key roles in regulating blood pressure, pain perception, immune function, and endocrine gland secretion[1][3][5][7]. Unlike classical tachykinin precursors, TAC4-derived peptides are primarily expressed in peripheral tissues (e.g., adrenal gland, placenta, immune tissues) rather than the nervous system, and exhibit unique processing features. While significant for their roles as endogenous ligands to tachykinin (especially NK1) receptors, TAC4 and its peptide products are not direct drug targets, but modulation of the pathways they activate (such as with NK1 receptor antagonists) is therapeutically relevant in certain disorders[1][3][5].

Other names

Endokinin-AEndokinin-BEndokinin-CEndokinin-DHK-1Hemokinin-1PPT-CPreprotachykinin-Ctachykinin precursor 4TAC4tachykinin 4hemokininEKAEKBEKCEKDendokininPptc

As a precursor, TAC4-derived peptides act as agonists at tachykinin receptors (primarily NK1 receptor), mediating effects via G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling