Arg-Phe-Amide RFamide Related Peptides
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Introduction
In 1977, Price et al discovered a tetrapeptide in the central nervous system in the macrocallista nimbosa. The peptide is able to exert cardioexcitatory effects with a C-terminal phenylalanine-methionine-arginine-phenylalanine-NH2 (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2). Later, an increasing number of bioactive peptide with a C-terminal Arg-Phe-Amide (RFamide) have been isolated and identified from many species. Since these compounds have the same structure at the C-terminus: RFamide, they are defined as RFamide peptides, such as GnIH, PQRFa, kisspeptin, PrRP and 26RFa/QRFP. Some RFamide peptides are found in vertebrate animals and they are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including painful stimulation, arterial blood regulation, food intake control, and regulation of pituitary hormone secretion.
Mechanism of action
The different members of the RFamide peptide family have both central and peripheral functions. Among these RFamind peptides, kisspeptin and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) have been deeply studied. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that they can directly act on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and play an important role in the regulation of the reproductive axis. PQRFa peptides have been found to function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators of mammalian opioid systems. In mammals, PrRP peptide acts as a neuroregulator of the central nervous system. In fact, accumulating evidence indicates that the core role of PrRP peptide is to promote energy expenditure and reduce food intake. 26RFamide is able to promote food intake, increase fat mass, plasma leptin, islet and cholesterol.
Application of Arg-Phe-Amide RFamide Related Peptides
There are many members in the RFamide peptide family with different functions. As some RFamide peptides are responsible for food intake and energy expenditure, it is reasonable for them to be useful new therapeutic targets in tackling the worldwide increase in obesity. In the gonads, GnIH and receptors regulate the differentiation and maturation of germ cells through autocrine and paracrine. The research on GnIH will help people understand the reproductive system in human.
References
- Dockray G J . The expanding family of -RFamide peptides and their effects on feeding behaviour[J]. 2004, 89(3):229-235.
- Revel F G, Saboureau M, Pévet P, et al. RFamide-related peptide gene is a melatonin-driven photoperiodic gene[J]. Endocrinology, 2008, 149(3):902.
