Recombinant Proteins
Product List
TAC1 Human
Tachykinin-1 Human Recombinant
TAC1 is fused to a 25 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
TAC3 Human
Tachykinin-3 Human Recombinant
The TAC3 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Tachykinins are a family of neuropeptides characterized by a common C-terminal sequence, Phe-X-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2, where X is an aromatic or aliphatic amino acid . These peptides are found across a wide range of species, from amphibians to mammals . The tachykinin family includes well-known peptides such as Substance P, Neurokinin A, and Neurokinin B . The genes encoding tachykinins are known as TAC1, TAC3, and TAC4 .
Tachykinins exhibit diverse biological properties. They are expressed in various tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, immune cells, and the gastrointestinal tract . These peptides are involved in numerous physiological processes such as pain transmission, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction . In mammals, Substance P is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system, while Neurokinin B is primarily involved in the central nervous system .
Tachykinins play crucial roles in several biological functions. They are involved in pain processing, inflammation, hematopoiesis, and the regulation of gonadotropin hormone secretion . Substance P, for instance, is a key mediator of pain and inflammation in peripheral tissues . Additionally, tachykinins are implicated in immune responses and pathogen recognition, contributing to the body’s defense mechanisms .
Tachykinins exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, namely NK1, NK2, and NK3 . These receptors are G-protein-coupled and activate various downstream signaling cascades, including the phospholipase C pathway, which produces inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol . This leads to the release of intracellular calcium and activation of protein kinase C . Tachykinins also interact with other molecules and cells, modulating their physiological properties .
The expression and activity of tachykinins are tightly regulated at multiple levels. Transcriptional regulation involves the TAC genes, which undergo alternative splicing to produce different tachykinin peptides . Post-translational modifications, such as proteolytic processing and C-terminal amidation, are crucial for the maturation and function of these peptides . Additionally, the activity of tachykinins is modulated by their interaction with specific receptors and downstream signaling pathways .
Tachykinins have significant applications in biomedical research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. They are used as biomarkers for various diseases, including inflammatory and neurogenic disorders . Tachykinin receptor antagonists are being explored as potential therapeutic agents for conditions such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression . Moreover, these peptides are valuable tools in studying pain mechanisms and developing new analgesics .
Throughout the life cycle, tachykinins play essential roles in development, aging, and disease. During development, they are involved in the regulation of neuronal growth and differentiation . In adulthood, tachykinins contribute to maintaining homeostasis and responding to physiological stressors . In aging and disease, alterations in tachykinin signaling are associated with various pathological conditions, including chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer .
