Abstract
Spexin (SPX) is a novel neuropeptide, which was first identified in the human genome using bioinformatics. Since then, orthologs of human SPX have been identified in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates. The mature sequence of SPX, NWTPQAMLYLKGAQ, is evolutionally conserved across vertebrate species, with some variations in teleost species where Ala at position 13 is substituted by Thr. In mammals, the gene structure of SPX comprises six exons and five introns, however, variation exists within non-mammalian species, goldfish and zebrafish having five exons while grouper has six exons. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis, reveal that SPX is grouped together with two neuropeptides, kisspeptin (KISS) and galanin (GAL) as a family of peptides with a common evolutionary ancestor. A paralog of SPX, termed SPX2 has been identified in non-mammalians but not in the mammalian genome. Ligand-receptor interaction study also shows that SPX acts as a ligand for GAL receptor 2 (2a and 2b in non-mammalian vertebrates) and 3. SPX acts as a neuromodulator with multiple central and peripheral physiological roles in the regulation of insulin release, fat metabolism, feeding behavior, and reproduction. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary diversity as well as molecular and physiological roles of SPX in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species.
Highlights
AND BACKGROUNDUsing bioinformatics search method based on the Hidden-Markov model, two independent groups identified spexin (SPX, known as NPQ) [1, 2]
Spexin (SPX) is a novel neuropeptide, which was first identified in the human genome using bioinformatics
SPX is present in various brain regions and peripheral tissues, and its functional role has been associated with feeding behavior, obesity, reproduction, cardiovascular, and nociception [3]
Summary
Spexin (SPX) is a novel neuropeptide, which was first identified in the human genome using bioinformatics. Orthologs of human SPX have been identified in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis, reveal that SPX is grouped together with two neuropeptides, kisspeptin (KISS) and galanin (GAL) as a family of peptides with a common evolutionary ancestor. A paralog of SPX, termed SPX2 has been identified in non-mammalians but not in the mammalian genome. Ligand-receptor interaction study shows that SPX acts as a ligand for GAL receptor 2 (2a and 2b in non-mammalian vertebrates) and 3. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary diversity as well as molecular and physiological roles of SPX in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.