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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Ghrelin cells in the gastrointestinal tract
Ichiro Sakata1, Takafumi Sakai
1Divisions of Hypothalamic Research and Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA.
Ghrelin, a gut-brain peptide, regulates diverse physiological functions including feeding and gastric activity. Its unique acylation by ghrelin O-acyl transferase (GOAT) is crucial for its biological activity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid peptide, was discovered in 1999 and is known for its roles in growth hormone release, feeding behavior, and metabolism.
- Ghrelin influences gastrointestinal functions like acid secretion and motility, acting as a key gut-brain peptide.
- Ghrelin's unique structure involves O-acylation at serine residues, catalyzed by ghrelin O-acyl transferase (GOAT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological functions and structural characteristics of ghrelin.
- To highlight the role of ghrelin O-acyl transferase (GOAT) in ghrelin modification.
- To emphasize the significance of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ghrelin's discovery and functions.
- Analysis of ghrelin's unique acylation and the role of GOAT.
- Examination of ghrelin cell distribution and abundance in the gastrointestinal tract.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin exhibits diverse functions, including effects on feeding, metabolism, memory, and mood.
- Ghrelin O-acyl transferase (GOAT) is essential for ghrelin's biological activity through O-acylation.
- Ghrelin-producing cells are abundant in the gastric mucosa and conserved across species, indicating fundamental physiological roles.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin is a vital gut-brain peptide with widespread physiological importance.
- Understanding ghrelin acylation by GOAT is key to deciphering its biological significance.
- Ghrelin cells in the gastrointestinal tract are a primary source of circulating ghrelin, underscoring their physiological relevance.
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