title: The Neuropeptide 26RFa (QRFP) and Its Role in the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis: A Mini-Review.
abstract: This mini-review deals with the neuropeptide 26RFa (or QRFP) which is a member of the RFamide peptide family discovered simultaneously by three groups in 2003. 26RFa (or its N-extended form 43RFa) was subsequently shown to be the endogenous ligand of the human orphan receptor GPR103. In the brain, 26RFa and GPR103mRNA are primarily expressed in hypothalamic nuclei involved in the control of feeding behavior, and at the periphery, the neuropeptide and its receptor are present in abundance in the gut and the pancreatic islets, suggesting that 26RFa is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. Indeed, 26RFa stimulates food intake when injected centrally, and its orexigenic effect is even more pronounced in obese animals. The expression of 26RFa is up-regulated in the hypothalamus of obese animals, supporting that the 26RFa/GPR103 system may play a role in the development and/or maintenance of the obese status. Recent data indicate that 26RFa is also involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. 26RFa reduces glucose-induced hyperglycemia, increases insulin sensitivity and insulinemia. Furthermore, an oral ingestion of glucose strongly stimulates 26RFa release by the gut, indicating that 26RFa is a novel incretin. Finally, 26RFa is able to prevent pancreatic β cell death and apoptosis. This brief overview reveals that 26RFa is a key neuropeptide in the regulation of energy metabolism. Further fields of research are suggested including the pathophysiological implication of the 26RFa/GPR103 system.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chartrel
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picot
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Mouna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El Medhi
authors.affiliation: University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Arnaud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arabo
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy UniversityMont-Saint-Aignan, France; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedecine, University Hospital of Rouen, University of Rouen, Normandy UniversityRouen, France.
authors.forename: Hind
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berrahmoune
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alexandre
authors.affiliation: University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maucotel
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy University Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
authors.forename: Youssef
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Anouar
authors.affiliation: INSERM U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University of Rouen, Normandy UniversityMont-Saint-Aignan, France; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedecine, University Hospital of Rouen, University of Rouen, Normandy UniversityRouen, France.
authors.forename: Gaëtan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Prévost
keywords: G protein-coupled receptor; RFamide peptide; diabetes; food intake; glucose homeostasis; obesity