Frontiers in Marine Science (Apr 2014)
Characterization of a new fish-derived bioactive neuropeptide involved in bone remodelling. Its physiological function and therapeutic potential.
Abstract
A complex network of autocrine and paracrine signals, hormones and neuronal factors preserve the structural integrity of the skeleton and regulate mineral metabolism in vertebrates. We have characterized a new neuropeptide belonging to parathyroid hormone (PTH) family. PTH family members are known to play a key role in maintaining mineral homeostasis, bone remodeling and in regulating embryonic development of skeleton and other tissues. This new neuropeptide is synthesized by two clusters of neurons located in lateral hypothalamus as showed in whole mount in situ hybridization. The functional characterization of the gene using a stable transgenic line revealed its key role in the regulation of bone mineral density. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses and comparative genomics results of conserved synteny reveal that this new neuropeptide is a new ohnolog of the PTH family present in teleosts and some tetrapods like chicken, but absent in mammals . Our findings suggest a new brain to bone pathway, where neuronal factors from hypothalamus signal to receptors on bone cells promoting bone remodeling. Further investigations about this new neuropeptide system would be relevant for developing therapies for bone mineral disorders in humans, since this neuropeptide has a conserved domain similar to other PTH-related peptides which have anabolic effects on bone.
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