Neuropeptide B

experimental

Also known as: Preproprotein L7, NPB, Q8NG41

Neuropeptide B (NPB) is a 29-amino acid peptide derived from the preproprotein L7, and it acts as an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptors GPR7 (NPBWR1) and GPR8 (NPBWR2). Its mechanism of action involves binding to these receptors, which are primarily expressed in the central nervous system, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and spinal cord. Activation of GPR7/GPR8 leads to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and modulation of downstream signaling pathways, influencing neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. NPB is implicated in the regulation of feeding behavior, neuroendocrine function, memory, learning, and afferent pain processing, likely through its effects on hypothalamic and limbic circuits. Key research findings from preclinical studies indicate that NPB administration reduces food intake and body weight in rodents, suggesting an anorexigenic role. Additionally, NPB modulates stress responses and anxiety-like behaviors, with evidence of altered expression in models of chronic stress. In pain pathways, NPB exhibits antinociceptive properties in acute pain models, potentially via spinal and supraspinal mechanisms. However, its effects on memory and learning remain less characterized, with some studies reporting enhancement of spatial memory. The limited number of published studies (86 PubMed references) underscores the experimental nature of this research. Clinically, NPB has not been translated into therapeutic applications due to its early-stage research status. Its potential relevance lies in obesity, chronic pain, and neuropsychiatric disorders, but no human trials have been conducted. Further investigation is needed to clarify its receptor selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile before clinical consideration. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Sequence
MARSATLAAAALALCLLLAPPGLAWYKPAAGHSSYSVGRAAGLLSGLRRSPYARRSQPYRGAEPPGGAGASPELQLHPRLRSLAVCVQDVAPNLQRCERLPDGRGTYQCKANVFLSLRAADCLAA
Molecular weight
524.5 g/mol
Molecular formula
C29H31Cl2N3O2
CAS number
2247491-97-8
Research status
experimental
References
86
Tags
uniprot, cleavage-on-pair-of-basic-residues, direct-protein-sequencing, neuropeptide, proteomics-identification, reference-proteome, secreted, signal

Mechanism of action

May be involved in the regulation of feeding, neuroendocrine system, memory, learning and in the afferent pain pathway

Research & studies

Antinociceptive effects of intrathecal neuropeptide B/W receptor 1 agonists in mouse acute nociception, peripheral neuropathy, and inflammatory pain models
Pharmacological reports : PR · 2025 · PubMed
Neuroinflammation evoked mechanisms for neuropathic itch in the spared nerve injury mouse model of neuropathic pain
Neuropharmacology · 2024 · PubMed
Central injection of neuropeptide B induces luteinizing hormone release in male and female rats
Peptides · 2023 · PubMed
Neuropeptide B (NPB) and NPB receptor 2b (NPBWR2b) in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus: expression and potential involvement in the regulation of gonadotropins
Fish physiology and biochemistry · 2023 · PubMed
The Effects of Neuropeptide B on Proliferation and Differentiation of Porcine White Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes
International journal of molecular sciences · 2023 · PubMed
Neuropeptide B promotes differentiation of rodent white preadipocytes into mature adipocytes
Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2023 · PubMed

NPB increased expression of adipogenic genes (PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, FABP4) and lipid accumulation in rodent preadipocytes.; NPB promoted phosphorylation of p38 kinase, and its proadipogenic effects were blocked by a p38 inhibitor.; NPB did not modulate viability or proliferation of rat preadipocytes or 3T3-L1 cells.

Neuropeptide B/W receptor 1 peptidomimetic agonists: Structure-activity relationships and plasma stability
European journal of medicinal chemistry · 2022 · PubMed

C-terminal GRAAGLL and N-terminal WYK regions form the two-epitope pharmacophore for NPBWR1 agonism.; Compound 30 with desaminoTrp replacement exhibited EC50 of 8 nM (calcium assay) vs 13 nM for NPB.; Compound 30 showed enhanced metabolic stability with half-life of 39.1 min vs 11.9 min for NPB in rat plasma.

The Role of Neuropeptide B and Its Receptors in Controlling Appetite, Metabolism, and Energy Homeostasis
International journal of molecular sciences · 2021 · PubMed

NPB activates NPBWR1 (GPR7) in rodents and both NPBWR1 and NPBWR2 (GPR8) in humans.; NPB and its receptors are expressed in the CNS and peripheral tissues, with NPB present in circulation.; In the CNS, NPB modulates appetite, reproduction, pain, anxiety, and emotions.; Downregulation of NPB or NPBWR1 results in adiposity, indicating a role in energy homeostasis.

Frequently asked questions

What is Neuropeptide B?

Neuropeptide B (NPB) is a 29-amino acid peptide derived from the preproprotein L7, and it acts as an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptors GPR7 (NPBWR1) and GPR8 (NPBWR2). Its mechanism of action involves binding to these receptors, which are primarily expressed in the central nervous system, including

How does Neuropeptide B work?

May be involved in the regulation of feeding, neuroendocrine system, memory, learning and in the afferent pain pathway

What is the research status of Neuropeptide B?

Neuropeptide B is currently classified as experimental, with 86 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Neuropeptide B?

Neuropeptide B has a molecular weight of approximately 524.5 g/mol (formula C29H31Cl2N3O2).

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