Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide (13 amino acids) neuropeptide that was first isolated in 1973. It is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. Neurotensin functions as both a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes.
Neurotensin is derived from a larger precursor protein known as pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N. The human neurotensin gene (NTS) encodes this precursor, which is subsequently cleaved to produce neurotensin and another peptide, neuromedin N . The recombinant form of human neurotensin is typically produced in E. coli or HEK293 cells, with the protein often tagged for purification purposes .
Neurotensin has a wide range of biological functions, including:
Neurotensin exerts its effects through three main receptors: NTS1, NTS2, and NTS3. These receptors are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate various intracellular signaling pathways. NTS1 is primarily involved in the modulation of dopamine pathways, while NTS2 and NTS3 have roles in pain modulation and neuroprotection .
Neurotensin and its receptors have been implicated in several diseases, including: