A consensus survey among ghrelin experts established standardized nomenclature: 'ghrelin' for the active hormone, 'desacyl-ghrelin' for its inactive form, 'GHSR' for the receptor, and 'LEAP2' for its endogenous antagonist.
LEAP2: endogenous ghrelin blockerBeyond settling nomenclature, this consensus paper formally recognizes LEAP2 as a natural antagonist of the ghrelin receptor, potentially opening a new therapeutic target for appetite control.
What the researchers found
An expert consensus survey established standardized nomenclature for the ghrelin system: 'ghrelin' (the octanoylated active peptide), 'desacyl-ghrelin' (the non-acylated form that does not bind GHSR at physiological levels), 'GHSR' (growth hormone secretagogue receptor), and 'LEAP2' (liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, a recently recognized endogenous GHSR antagonist/inverse agonist).
The paper also contextualizes that ghrelin controls not only growth hormone secretion but also food intake, reward-related behaviors, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Desacyl-ghrelin's physiological role remains less well-characterized despite being detectable in biological samples.
Why it matters
Inconsistent terminology in scientific literature creates confusion and miscommunication, particularly for researchers entering the field or clinicians reading about ghrelin-based therapies. Standardized nomenclature is essential as ghrelin system research advances toward clinical applications — including potential treatments for eating disorders, obesity, cachexia, and addiction. The identification of LEAP2 as an endogenous ghrelin blocker also opens new therapeutic avenues.
How the study worked
The authors conducted a survey among experts who have contributed to the ghrelin literature, aiming to identify whether consensus could be reached on nomenclature for ghrelin, its non-acylated form, its receptor, and its endogenous antagonist. The consensus recommendations were based on survey results from the research community.
What this study cannot tell us
This is primarily a nomenclature consensus paper, not a study presenting new experimental data. The survey was limited to researchers already publishing in the ghrelin field, which may not capture perspectives from adjacent fields. Desacyl-ghrelin's physiological role remains unresolved, and the consensus on naming it doesn't address the ongoing debate about whether it has biological activity independent of GHSR.
How to read the evidence
This is a consensus/nomenclature paper based on an expert survey, not a study with experimental data. It reflects the collective agreement of leading ghrelin researchers and serves as a reference standard for the field.
When this study was published
Published in 2023, this consensus comes at a critical time as ghrelin-targeted therapies advance and the LEAP2 discovery adds a new dimension to ghrelin pharmacology. The standardized terminology should improve clarity in the rapidly growing literature.
The bigger picture
The ghrelin system is increasingly recognized as a master regulator of energy balance, reward, and metabolism. The formal recognition of LEAP2 as an endogenous GHSR antagonist is particularly significant — it suggests the body has a natural 'brake' on ghrelin signaling that could be pharmacologically enhanced for obesity treatment. Clear nomenclature will accelerate communication as ghrelin-targeted drugs advance through development.
Questions still open
- Does desacyl-ghrelin have physiological functions through receptors other than GHSR that remain to be identified?
- Could enhancing LEAP2 signaling serve as a therapeutic strategy for reducing appetite and treating obesity?
- How will standardized nomenclature improve the clinical translation of ghrelin-based therapeutics?
Common questions
What is ghrelin and why is it called the 'hunger hormone'?
What is LEAP2 and why is it important?
Read the original research
Toward a consensus nomenclature for ghrelin, its non-acylated form, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and growth hormone secretagogue receptor.
Journal of neuroendocrinology, 35(1), e13224
Citation
Perelló, Mario; Dickson, Suzanne L; Zigman, Jeffrey M; Leggio, Lorenzo. (2023). Toward a consensus nomenclature for ghrelin, its non-acylated form, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and growth hormone secretagogue receptor.. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 35(1), e13224. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.13224