Cells (Jun 2024)

Brain RFamide Neuropeptides in Stress-Related Psychopathologies

  • Anita Kovács,
  • Evelin Szabó,
  • Kristóf László,
  • Erika Kertes,
  • Olga Zagorácz,
  • Kitti Mintál,
  • Attila Tóth,
  • Rita Gálosi,
  • Bea Berta,
  • László Lénárd,
  • Edina Hormay,
  • Bettina László,
  • Dóra Zelena,
  • Zsuzsanna E. Tóth

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13131097
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 13
p. 1097

Abstract

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The RFamide peptide family is a group of proteins that share a common C-terminal arginine–phenylalanine–amide motif. To date, the family comprises five groups in mammals: neuropeptide FF, LPXRFamides/RFamide-related peptides, prolactin releasing peptide, QRFP, and kisspeptins. Different RFamide peptides have their own cognate receptors and are produced by different cell populations, although they all can also bind to neuropeptide FF receptors with different affinities. RFamide peptides function in the brain as neuropeptides regulating key aspects of homeostasis such as energy balance, reproduction, and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, they are involved in the organization of the stress response including modulation of pain. Considering the interaction between stress and various parameters of homeostasis, the role of RFamide peptides may be critical in the development of stress-related neuropathologies. This review will therefore focus on the role of RFamide peptides as possible key hubs in stress and stress-related psychopathologies. The neurotransmitter coexpression profile of RFamide-producing cells is also discussed, highlighting its potential functional significance. The development of novel pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of stress-related disorders is an ongoing need. Thus, the importance of RFamide research is underlined by the emergence of peptidergic and G-protein coupled receptor-based therapeutic targets in the pharmaceutical industry.

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