Neuromedin U is a neuropeptide with high activity on smooth muscle. It is widely expressed in gastrointestinal systems and central nervous system (CNS). Peripheral activities of neuromedin U include smooth muscle stimulation, ion transport alterations in the gut and the regulation of local blood flow and adrenocortical function. Neuromedin U receptors 1 and 2 (NMUR1 and NMUR2) are multi-pass membrane proteins that belong to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family of proteins. Both NMUR1 and NMUR2 act as receptors for the neuromedin U neuropeptide. NMUR1 is detected in peripheral organs, particularly in urogenital and gastrointestinal systems, with highest levels in testis. It’s expression in CNS is low, but the protein has been detected in cerebellum, hippocampus, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. NMUR2 is predominantly detected in central nervous system with highest levels detected in medulla oblongata, spinal cord and thalamus. It may also be detected in testis but has low levels of expression in peripheral tissues.
Function: Receptor for the neuromedin-U and neuromedin-S neuropeptides.
Tissue Specificity: Expressed in greatest abundance in peripheral organs, particularly in elements of the gastrointestinal and urogenital systems with highest levels in testes. In central nervous system structures express levels are much lower than those seen in peripheral organs. Within the CNS, has been detected in highest abundance in the cerebellum, dorsal root ganglia, hippocampus, and spinal cord.
Similarity: Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family.
