The troubled story of tachykinins and neurokinins

A family of peptides that shares a common C-terminal sequence (Phe-X-Gly-Leu-MetNH2) exists in mammalian and non-mammalian species. In mammals, three of these peptides (substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B) satisfy the criteria to be considered as neurotransmitters either in the central, peripheral or enteric nervous systems. In addition, multiple receptors for these peptides, which belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors, exist. These receptors have distinct pharmacological features and selective agonists and antagonists are available for studying their functional roles. The latest update on nomenclature of these peptides and their receptors, which dates back to 1986, agreed to use the terms tachykinins and tachykinin NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. This 'nomenclature mismatch' has generated confusion that urges experts in the field of tachykinin research to provide a revised nomenclature.