This gene is specifically expressed in a subpopulation of neuroendocrine cells, and is upregulated by nerve growth factor. The structural organization of this gene is similar to that of the rat gene, and both the translated and the untranslated regions show a high degree of sequence similarity to the rat gene. The encoded secretory protein also shares similarities with the secretogranin/chromogranin family, however, its exact function is not known.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a peptide that plays a key role in the differentiation and survival of neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). VGF is a peptide synthesized and secreted by neurons and is upregulated by NGF in the PC12 cell line. VGF is widely expressed in both the PNS and CNS, but is especially abundant in the adult hypothalamus. VGF plays an essential role in how the brain regulates energy expenditure and body weight. Its expression is rapidly induced by injury, the circadian clock, and neuronal activity.
Function:
May be involved in the regulation of cell-cell interactions or in synatogenesis during the maturation of the nervous system.
NERP peptides are involved in the control of body fluid homeostasis by regulating vasopressin release.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted. Cytoplasmic vesicle, secretory vesicle. Note=Stored in secretory vesicles and then secreted, NERP peptides colocalize with vasopressin in the storage granules of hypothalamus.
Tissue Specificity:
Central and peripheral nervous systems, synthesized exclusively in neuronal and neuroendocrine cells.
Post-translational modifications:
Multiple peptides are derived from VGF, with activities in synaptic plasticity, antidepression, penile erection, autonomic activation, and increases in energy expenditure.
SWISS:
O1548
Gene ID:
7425
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 7425 Human
Entrez Gene: 381677 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 29461 Rat
Omim: 602186 Human
SwissProt: O1548 Human
SwissProt: P20156 Rat
Unigene: 587325 Human
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