Neuropeptide K Explained

Neuropeptide K (also known as neurokinin K^[1]), is a protein encoded by the TAC1 gene. It is an elongated derivative of the N-terminus of neurokinin A as the final post-translational processing product of beta-preprotachykinin.^{[2] [3]}

Like neurokinin A, neuropeptide K has been localized to sensory neurons and likely plays a role in regulating sensation.

While several mammalian brains are shown to express substance P and neurokinin A, they differ on expression of neurokinin A-derived peptides. In contrast with rat and cow brains, the human brain contains larger amounts of neuropeptide K.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Dornan WA, Vink KL, Malen P, Short K, Struthers W, Barrett C . Site-specific effects of intracerebral injections of three neurokinins (neurokinin A, neurokinin K, and neurokinin gamma) on the expression of male rat sexual behavior . Physiol. Behav. . 54 . 2 . 249–58 . August 1993 . 7690487 . 10.1016/0031-9384(93)90107-Q. 33412235 .
2. Takeda. Y. Krause. JE. Neuropeptide K potently stimulates salivary gland secretion and potentiates substance P-induced salivation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Jan 1989. 86. 1. 392–396. 286471. 10.1073/pnas.86.1.392. 2463627. 1989PNAS...86..392T. free.
3. Holzer. P.. 1988-03-01. Local effector functions of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve endings: Involvement of tachykinins, calcitonin gene-related peptide and other neuropeptides. Neuroscience. 24. 3. 739–768. 10.1016/0306-4522(88)90064-4. 3288903. 35325223.
4. Bannon. Michael J.. Poosch. Michael S.. Haverstick. Doris M.. Anita. Mandal. Xue. Iris C. -H.. Shibata. Kazuhiko. Dragovic. Ljubisa J.. 1992-01-01. Preprotachykinin gene expression in the human basal ganglia: characterization of mRNAs and pre-mRNAs produced by alternate RNA splicing. Molecular Brain Research. 12. 1–3. 225–231. 10.1016/0169-328X(92)90088-S. 1312203.