NMU

This gene encodes a member of the neuromedin family of neuropeptides. The encoded protein is a precursor that is proteolytically processed to generate a biologically active neuropeptide that plays a role in pain, stress, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and feeding regulation. Increased expression of this gene was observed in renal, pancreatic and lung cancers. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. Some of these isoforms may undergo similar processing to generate the mature peptide.

Full Name

Neuromedin U

Function

Neuromedin-U-25
Ligand for receptors NMUR1 and NMUR2 (By similarity).
Stimulates muscle contractions of specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract. In humans, NmU stimulates contractions of the ileum and urinary bladder.
Neuromedin precursor-related peptide 33
Does not function as a ligand for either NMUR1 or NMUR2. Indirectly induces prolactin release although its potency is much lower than that of neuromedin precursor-related peptide 36.
Neuromedin precursor-related peptide 36
Does not function as a ligand for either NMUR1 or NMUR2. Indirectly induces prolactin release from lactotroph cells in the pituitary gland, probably via the hypothalamic dopaminergic system.

Biological Process

Energy homeostasisIEA:Ensembl
G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Neuropeptide signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of smooth muscle contractionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Positive regulation of synaptic transmissionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Regulation of feeding behaviorIEA:Ensembl
Regulation of grooming behaviorIEA:Ensembl
Temperature homeostasisIEA:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Secreted