Progress in The Studies of Functions and Structure-activity Relationship of Neuropeptide S
神经肽S功能与构效关系研究进展

Neuropeptide S (NPS), a new peptide possessing 20 amino acid residues, was identified recently via the reverse pharmacology approach. NPS selectively binds and activates an orphan G-protein coupled receptor, named NPS receptor (NPSR), which is also known as GPR154 or GPRA. NPS and NPS receptor mRNA are expressed in the brain regions, which were thought to modulate wakefulness and anxiety. NPS and the cognate receptor have been shown to modulate many physiological and pathological activities. NPS administered centrally in rodents produces a wide range of biological effects including stimulation of wakefulness, hyperlocomotion, inhibition of food intake, anxiolytic-like effects and immunomodulatory effect. NPS system may provide a potential target for pharmacological treatment of related diseases. It is important to study the structure-activity relationship of NPS for understanding physiological roles of NPS/NPSR system.