Molecular structure of neuropeptide Y.

The original description of NPY following its isolation commented on its homology to the pancreatic polypeptide family of peptides. This homology is extended to the mRNA sequences and the genomic structure, suggesting that this family has arisen as a result of gene duplication. However, each member demonstrates remarkable specificity in its expression within tissue types. The expression of the NPY gene is thus controlled by, as yet undefined, factors regulating to neural cells. The level of expression within cells is dependent on nerve growth factor. However, other factors, such as the rate of processing of the precursor, may be involved in regulation of the stored concentrations of the peptide product.