Study on physiological functions of a novel peptide, NURP, focusing on the functional relationship with NMU

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K09009
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: University of Miyazaki
• Principal Investigator: MARUYAMA KEISUKE 宮崎大学, 農学部, 准教授 (20612386)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 張 維東 宮崎大学, 医学部, 助教 (90753616)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 新規ペプチドホルモン / ニューロメジンU / ニューロメジンU関連ペプチド / NMU / NURP / プロラクチン / c-Fos

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to elucidate the physiological functions of a novel peptide hormone, neuromedin U-related peptide (NURP). NURP is produced from the same precursor as neuromedin U (NMU). NMU acts on feeding and thermoregulation. In this study, we compared the brain regions targeted by NURP and NMU. As a result, unlike NMU, NURP did not strongly activate the hypothalamus. However, we found that NURP activates the ventral subiculum. Furthermore, it was found that the neurons of the ventral hippocampal formation activated by NURP are mainly GABA-expressing neurons.

Free Research Field

内分泌学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は、NURPとNMUの発現と生理的機能における複雑な関係の一端を明らかにした。これまでの内分泌学の歴史において、新規ペプチドホルモンの発見とその生理機能の解明は、内分泌メカニズムの新たなる理解に繋がってきた。本研究はその第一歩であり、ニューロメジンUファミリーが担う内分泌メカニズムの解明の研究基盤となっていくと考える。