Related Experiment Videos
Non-neuronal mammalian tachykinin expression
Daniel A Nelson1, Kenneth L Bost
1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. danelson@email.uncc.edu
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|September 9, 2004
Summary
Mammalian tachykinins, traditionally neuropeptides, are also produced by non-neuronal cells. New tachykinins like hemokinin 1 bind the NK1 receptor, suggesting broader roles in cellular responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mammalian tachykinins are primarily known as neuropeptides.
- Their expression and function are well-documented in neuronal contexts.
- Recent findings suggest broader expression and roles beyond the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mammalian tachykinins and evidence for their non-neuronal expression.
- To briefly discuss the biological roles, focusing on immune cell actions.
- To highlight novel tachykinins and their receptor interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on tachykinin expression and function.
- Analysis of evidence for gene transcription, peptide production, and secretion in non-neuronal cells.
- Examination of the structure and receptor binding of novel and non-mammalian tachykinins.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the expression of mammalian tachykinins by non-neuronal cells.
- Novel tachykinins, including hemokinin 1 and endokinins, are identified.
- These novel peptides and some non-mammalian tachykinins bind the NK1 receptor with high affinity.
Conclusions:
- Tachykinins have significant roles in non-neuronal cells, particularly immune cells.
- The NK1 receptor binds multiple tachykinin ligands, suggesting convergent signaling pathways.
- This broadens the understanding of tachykinin signaling in mammalian physiology.