Molecular evolution of GPCRs: 26Rfa/GPR103

J Mol Endocrinol. 2014 Jun;52(3):T119-31. doi: 10.1530/JME-13-0207. Epub 2014 Feb 14.

Abstract

Neuropeptides possessing the Arg-Phe-NH2 (RFamide) motif at their C-termini (designated as RFamide peptides) have been characterized in a variety of animals. Among these, neuropeptide 26RFa (also termed QRFP) is the latest member of the RFamide peptide family to be discovered in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. The neuropeptide 26RFa/QRFP is a 26-amino acid residue peptide that was originally identified in the frog brain. It has been shown to exert orexigenic activity in mammals and to be a ligand for the previously identified orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR103 (QRFPR). The cDNAs encoding 26RFa/QRFP and QRFPR have now been characterized in representative species of mammals, birds, and fish. Functional studies have shown that, in mammals, the 26RFa/QRFP-QRFPR system may regulate various functions, including food intake, energy homeostasis, bone formation, pituitary hormone secretion, steroidogenesis, nociceptive transmission, and blood pressure. Several biological actions have also been reported in birds and fish. This review summarizes the current state of identification, localization, and understanding of the functions of 26RFaQRFP and its cognate receptor, QRFPR, in vertebrates.

Keywords: 26RFa/QRFP; G protein-coupled receptor; food intake; hypothalamus; neuropeptide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure / genetics
  • Bone Development / genetics
  • Eating / genetics
  • Energy Metabolism / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / enzymology
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neuropeptides / biosynthesis
  • Neuropeptides / genetics*
  • Nociceptive Pain / genetics
  • Orexins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Sequence Alignment

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • Orexins
  • QRFPR protein, human
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • prepro-26RFa protein, human
  • arginylphenylalaninamide