[The neuropeptide 26RFa and its role in the regulation of energy metabolism].
The neuropeptide 26RFa, also referred to as QRFP (for pyroglutamilated RFamide peptide), is the latest member of the RFamide peptide family to be discovered. 26RFa and its N-extended form, 43RFa, have been characterized in all vertebrate classes as the endogenous ligands 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 in 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 centrally injected, 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 the view that 26RFa 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. In conclusion, this overview of the literature 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.
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Nicolas
N
Chartrel
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France - Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Maladies Métaboliques, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Rouen, France.
Gaëtan
G
Prévost
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Mouna
M
El Medhi
Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Arnaud
A
Arabo
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France - Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Maladies Métaboliques, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, Rouen, France.
Hind
H
Berrahmoune
Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Julie
J
Maucotel
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Youssef
Y
Anouar
INSERM U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale (IRIB), Université de Rouen, Normandie Université, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
Marie
M
Picot
D000818:Animals; D001069:Appetite Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D009479:Neuropeptides; C480638:prepro-26RFa protein, human; D005947:Glucose