Prolactin-Releasing Peptide: Physiological and Pharmacological Properties

Abstract

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) belongs to the large RF-amide neuropeptide family with a conserved Arg-Phe-amide motif at the C-terminus. PrRP plays a main role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. This review focuses not only on the physiological functions of PrRP, but also on its pharmacological properties and the actions of its G-protein coupled receptor, GPR10. Special attention is paid to structure-activity relationship studies on PrRP and its analogs as well as to their effect on different physiological functions, mainly their anorexigenic and neuroprotective features and the regulation of the cardiovascular system, pain, and stress. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of this peptide and its analogs is explored.

Prolactin-Releasing Peptide Differentially Regulates Gene Transcriptomic Profiles in Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

“…In the central nervous system, GPR10 is expressed in the paraventricular hypothalamic (PVN), thalamic reticular (TRN), dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMN) nuclei, periventricular hypothalamic (PEVN), and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of the brainstem [ 39 ]. These data suggest that GPR10 is involved in energy metabolism and food intake [ 8 , 40 ]. Very recently, the Lenka Maletínská team find that GPR10 gene deletion in C57BL/6J mice causes significant metabolic disturbances, as GPR10 KO mice demonstrate enhanced basal neuronal activity, disturbed lipid homeostasis, and altered insulin sensitivity [ 37 ].…”

“…As the resident macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS), microglia play an essential role in the innate and acquired immune response in local regions [ 54 ]. Given that microglia are mainly distributed in large non-overlapping areas throughout the CNS [ 55 , 56 ], and these areas may overlap with areas where PrRP is distributed (such as pons and hypothalamus) [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 40 ]. Therefore, a question arises: does PrRP regulate glial cells?…”

“…Since proteins and various protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks are prominent members that play an essential role in regulating various biological processes in cells, the influence of neuropeptide PrRP on BMDMs may be a complicated process. In the same vein, emerging data have indicated that PrRP may have a wide range of effects in regulating the neuroendocrine system [ 40 , 69 ].…”

Cellular Signaling and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Prolactin-Releasing Peptide and Its Analog on SH-SY5Y Cells

“…Neuropeptide with the misleading name prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) belongs to the family of RF-amide peptides. PrRP immunoreactive fibers, as well as its receptor GPR10, can be found in the brain in nuclei implicated in food intake and energy balance regulation [ 1 ], such as in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of the brainstem, and in several hypothalamic nuclei, where it acts as an anorexigenic compound [ 2 , 3 ]. Natural PrRP has two equally active isoforms with different lengths: the shorter PrRP20 comprises 20 amino acids, and the longer PrRP31 comprises 31 amino acids [ 4 ].…”

Peptides for Health Benefits 2019

“…Another neuropeptide described in the Special Issue is the prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP). The anorexigenic neuroprotective effects of this peptide are reviewed by Pražienková et al [33]. These authors also describe its therapeutic potential mediated by its actions on cardiovascular system, pain and stress.…”