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Neuropeptide FF modulates neuroendocrine and energy homeostasis through hypothalamic signaling

Ya-Tin Lin1, Jin-Chung Chen2

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

The Chinese Journal of Physiology
|June 28, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) peptides modulate pain and energy balance by acting on NPFF receptors in the brain. This NPFF-NPFFR2 system offers potential therapeutic targets for hypothalamic disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Peptide Research

Background:

  • Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is an RF-amide peptide first isolated in 1985.
  • Traditionally recognized for its role in pain modulation, NPFF exhibits both anti-opioid and pro-opioid effects.
  • Emerging research highlights NPFF's involvement in neuroendocrine regulation, energy homeostasis, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of NPFF and related peptides in hypothalamic function.
  • To emphasize the significance of the NPFF-NPFFR2 interaction within the hypothalamus.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of the NPFF-NPFFR2 system for hypothalamic disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on NPFF and RF-amide peptides.
  • Analysis of research on NPFF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) signaling pathways.
  • Examination of NPFF's influence on hypothalamic neuronal activity and related axes.

Main Results:

  • NPFF and NPFFR2 activation increase neuronal activity in hypothalamic regions.
  • The NPFF-NPFFR2 system modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and energy balance.
  • NPFF influences food intake and peripheral adipose tissue macrophage activity.

Conclusions:

  • The NPFF-NPFFR2 system plays a crucial role in regulating hypothalamic functions, including neuroendocrine and metabolic processes.
  • NPFF's diverse actions extend beyond pain modulation to encompass energy homeostasis and inflammation.
  • The NPFF-NPFFR2 system presents a promising therapeutic target for addressing various hypothalamic-related disorders.
Keywords:
Anxietydepressionenergy homeostasisfood intakehypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axishypothalamusneuroendocrineneuropeptide FFneuropeptide FF receptor 2obesityparaventricular nucleusthermogenesis

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