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O verview of N europeptides: A wakening the S enses?
Author(s) -
Russo Andrew F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/head.13084
Subject(s) - neuropeptide , receptor , calcitonin gene related peptide , neuropeptide y receptor , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , neuroscience , biochemistry
Humans have a diverse collection of neuropeptides that can influence a multitude of activities. There are now over 100 known neuropeptides and probably many more yet to be identified from the over 1000 predicted peptides encoded in the genome. While diverse, peptides generally share three common characteristics: (1) post‐translational processing and release from vesicles, (2) activation of cell‐surface receptors over a relatively large distance, and (3) modulation of target cells that are often in the brain and periphery. Within the brain, neuropeptides can modulate the activity of co‐released neurotransmitters to either increase or decrease the strength of synaptic signaling. Within the periphery, neuropeptides can function similar to peptide hormones and modulate nearly all bodily functions. Given the clear involvement of the neuropeptide CGRP in migraine and the emerging evidence for other peptides, it seems likely that neuropeptides may help “awaken” the senses and contribute to the heightened sensory state of migraine.