What is neuropeptide

Neuropeptides are key mediators for transmitting information between neurons and belong to the peptide class of substances that have functions as neurotransmitters, modulators, and hormones [2-3]. It mediates signal transduction through G protein coupled receptors and participates in various physiological processes such as pain regulation, metabolic regulation, and memory formation. It has been discovered that there are more than 40 neuropeptides, including 9 major categories such as opioid peptides and the tachykinin family, which can synergistically interact with classical neurotransmitters through co transmission [2-3].
The biosynthesis of neuropeptides requires complex steps such as propeptide translation, enzyme cleavage processing, and post-translational modification. After release, they act on distant targets through a volume transfer mechanism, with a long duration of action and cannot be recovered. In 2024, Salk Research Institute confirmed that the formation of fear memory mainly depends on the coordinated transmission of multiple neuropeptides, and a single vesicle can release multiple neuropeptides at the same time [5].
This type of substance is closely related to pathological processes such as obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. Neuropeptide system based drugs such as CGRP antagonists have been clinically applied in the treatment of migraine