Abstract

Neuropeptides control a wide spectrum of physiological functions. They are central to our understanding of brain functions. They exert their actions by interacting with specific G protein-coupled receptors. We however have not found all the neuropeptides that exist in organisms. The search for novel neuropeptides is thus of great interest as it will lead to a better understanding of brain function and disorders. In this review, we will discuss the historical as well as the current approaches to neuropeptide discovery, with a particular emphasis on the orphan GPCR-based strategies. We will also discuss two novel peptides, neuropeptide S and neuromedin S, as examples of the impact of neuropeptide discovery on our understanding of brain functions. Finally, the challenges facing neuropeptide discovery will be discussed.

Keywords: Neuropeptide, Orphan GPCR, Neuropeptide S, Neuromedin S, neurotransmitters, homeostasis, caffeine, signal transduction, amino ac, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), secondary, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, functional, recovery, endogenuis, exogenius, factors, dedifferentiation, pluripotent, multipotent, Proliferation, Survival, Precursor cells