Appetite-regulating hormone
experimentalAlso known as: Growth hormone secretagogue, Growth hormone-releasing peptide, Motilin-related peptide, Protein M46, GHRL, Q9UBU3
**Mechanism of Action** The peptide encoded by the GHRL gene (UniProt Q9UBU3) serves as the precursor for ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid orexigenic hormone primarily produced by gastric endocrine cells. Post-translational processing yields bioactive ghrelin-28 and its truncated form ghrelin-27, both of which require acylation at Ser-3 by ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) for full activity. Acylated ghrelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and pituitary, stimulating growth hormone release and appetite. The unacylated form (des-acyl ghrelin) may modulate metabolic effects via distinct, incompletely characterized pathways. **Key Research Findings** Preclinical studies demonstrate that ghrelin administration increases food intake and body weight in rodents, while ghrelin knockout models exhibit reduced adiposity and altered glucose metabolism. Human trials show elevated circulating ghrelin levels during fasting and in cachexia, with postprandial suppression. Experimental data also link ghrelin to gastric motility (via motilin-related pathways), reward-seeking behavior, and neuroprotection. However, clinical translation remains limited due to challenges in targeting the ghrelin system without adverse effects (e.g., hyperglycemia, tumor growth promotion). **Clinical Relevance** Ghrelin analogs and inverse agonists are under investigation for conditions such as anorexia, cachexia, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Phase II trials of ghrelin receptor agonists in cancer cachexia have shown modest improvements in appetite and lean mass, but no approved therapies exist. The experimental status (65 PubMed references) reflects ongoing research into ghrelin’s role in energy homeostasis, with potential applications in eating disorders and sarcopenia. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
MPSPGTVCSLLLLGMLWLDLAMAGSSFLSPEHQRVQQRKESKKPPAKLQPRALAGWLRPEDGGQAEGAEDELEVRFNAPFDVGIKLSGVQYQQHSQALGKFLQDILWEEAKEAPADKMechanism of action
Precursor of the appetite-regulating peptide ghrelin, including ghrelin-27 and ghrelin-28
Research & studies
Meta-analyses of acute cross-over studies showed few effects of aspartame on glucose/insulin versus vehicle or low-calorie sweeteners.; Aspartame resulted in lower blood glucose and insulin concentrations compared with sugars or other nutritive elements.; Medium- and long-term studies found few effects of aspartame, with high heterogeneity between studies.; Risk of bias assessments indicated 'some concerns' for most studies, and certainty of evidence was 'very low' for all outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Appetite-regulating hormone?
**Mechanism of Action** The peptide encoded by the GHRL gene (UniProt Q9UBU3) serves as the precursor for ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid orexigenic hormone primarily produced by gastric endocrine cells. Post-translational processing yields bioactive ghrelin-28 and its truncated form ghrelin-27, both of which require acylatio
How does Appetite-regulating hormone work?
Precursor of the appetite-regulating peptide ghrelin, including ghrelin-27 and ghrelin-28
What is the research status of Appetite-regulating hormone?
Appetite-regulating hormone is currently classified as experimental, with 65 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Appetite-regulating hormone?
Appetite-regulating hormone has a molecular weight of approximately 12911 g/mol.
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