Neuropeptide Y Signaling in Neurophysiological and Metabolic Disorders
Summary
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino-acid peptide ubiquitously expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it exerts diverse roles through activation of a family of G protein-coupled receptors (Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5). In the brain, NPY governs feeding behaviour, energy homeostasis, stress resilience and circadian rhythms, while in peripheral tissues it modulates vascular tone, glucose metabolism and immune responses. Aberrant NPY signalling has been implicated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and neurodegenerative conditions. At the cellular level, NPY receptors couple to Gαi/o proteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase, and release Gβγ subunits to activate phospholipase C and downstream kinases, thereby regulating intracellular calcium and membrane excitability. The subtype-specific distribution of Y receptors underlies tissue-selective actions, making the NPY system an attractive target for precision therapies aimed at restoring metabolic balance and protecting neural integrity.
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Neuropeptide Y Signaling in Neurophysiological and Metabolic Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in neuropeptide y signaling in neurophysiological and metabolic disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Neuropeptide Y (NPY): 36-amino-acid peptide acting as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in central and peripheral systems.
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR): Membrane receptor that transduces extracellular signals into intracellular responses via G proteins.
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM): Structural technique using frozen samples and electron beams to visualise biomolecules at near-atomic resolution.
Gβγ subunit: Component of heterotrimeric G proteins released upon receptor activation to modulate downstream effectors.
Phospholipase C (PLC): Enzyme that hydrolyses phospholipids to generate second messengers and mobilise intracellular calcium.
Positron emission tomography (PET): Imaging modality using radiolabelled tracers to visualise physiological processes in vivo.
References
- Structural basis of neuropeptide Y signaling through Y1 and Y2 receptors. MedComm (2024).
- Gβγ subunit signalling underlies neuropeptide Y‐stimulated vasoconstriction in rat mesenteric and coronary arteries. British Journal of Pharmacology (2023).
- Improved Chemical and Radiochemical Synthesis of Neuropeptide Y Y2 Receptor Antagonist N-Methyl-JNJ-31020028 and Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography Studies. Pharmaceuticals (2024).
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