Nesfatin-1

Nesfatin-1 was discovered in 2006 as a potent anorexigenic peptide in the rat hypothalamus. The 82 amino acid peptide is cleaved from its precursor protein, nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2). Although the putative NUCB2/nesfatin-1 receptor has not yet been identified, the putative expression of the receptor was observed in the brain, including the cortex, PVN, area postrema, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, and cerebellum, and in the peripheral tissues including pituitary, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, adrenal gland, testis, and visceral adipose tissue by autoradiography using 125I-nesfatin-1. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 affects the glucose metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity. Peripheral infusion of nesfatin-1 reduces adiposity and plasma levels of triglyceride and cholesterol. Administration of nesfatin-1 increases heart rate and blood pressure in rats. Nesfatin-1 increases fear- and anxiety-related behaviors. Dysfunction of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 might be involved in the pathology of some psychiatric disorders such as general anxiety disorder and panic disorder.