Cloning the Y4 Receptor — A New Target for Appetite-Controlling Peptide Drugs
The human Y4 receptor was cloned and shown to bind pancreatic polypeptide, NPY, and PYY — expanding the receptor family for these powerful appetite regulators.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
The human Y4 receptor was cloned and shown to bind pancreatic polypeptide, NPY, and PYY, expanding the known receptor family for these appetite-regulating peptides.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Researchers used homology screening of a human placental genomic library to clone the Y4 receptor, then expressed it in cells and characterized its pharmacology using binding and functional assays.
Why This Research Matters
NPY and related peptides are among the most powerful appetite stimulators known. Identifying their receptors is essential for developing drugs that could block excessive appetite or treat eating disorders.
The Bigger Picture
NPY is one of the strongest appetite stimulators known. Cloning its receptors is essential for developing anti-obesity drugs that could block or modulate the powerful hunger signals these peptides transmit.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
In vitro characterization of a cloned receptor. Cell-based expression may not fully represent how the receptor behaves in its natural tissue context.
Questions This Raises
- ?Can Y4-selective drugs control appetite without other NPY system side effects?
- ?Is Y4 receptor expression altered in obesity?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- New drug target cloned Y4 is only the second NPY-family receptor cloned, binding three powerful appetite-regulating peptides
- Evidence Grade:
- Strong — molecular cloning and functional expression with comprehensive binding characterization. Landmark receptor identification.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1995 (31 years ago). The NPY receptor family has since been fully characterized, with several drug development programs.
- Original Title:
- Cloning and functional expression of a human Y4 subtype receptor for pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY.
- Published In:
- The Journal of biological chemistry, 270(45), 26762-5 (1995)
- Authors:
- Bard, J A, Walker, M W(2), Branchek, T A(2), Weinshank, R L
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00315
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are NPY and PYY?
NPY (neuropeptide Y) is one of the most powerful appetite-stimulating molecules in the brain. PYY (peptide YY) is released from the gut after eating and signals fullness. Both work through Y-type receptors to control eating behavior.
Could drugs targeting Y4 help with obesity?
Potentially. By understanding which receptor subtypes control which aspects of appetite, scientists can design drugs that reduce hunger or increase fullness without affecting anxiety, blood pressure, or other functions these peptides also regulate.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00315APA
Bard, J A; Walker, M W; Branchek, T A; Weinshank, R L. (1995). Cloning and functional expression of a human Y4 subtype receptor for pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY.. The Journal of biological chemistry, 270(45), 26762-5.
MLA
Bard, J A, et al. "Cloning and functional expression of a human Y4 subtype receptor for pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, and peptide YY.." The Journal of biological chemistry, 1995.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Cloning and functional expression of a human Y4 subtype rece..." RPEP-00315. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/bard-1995-cloning-and-functional-expression
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.