New challenges in the study of the mammalian tachykinins

Page, N. M. (2005) New challenges in the study of the mammalian tachykinins. Peptides, 26 (8). pp. 1356-1368. ISSN 0196-9781 doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.03.030

Abstract/Summary

There is an expanding repertoire of mammalian tachykinins produced by a variety of tachykinin genes, gene splicing events and peptide processing. Novel tachykinin-binding molecules/receptors are proposed, but only, three tachykinin receptors are identified with certainty. The question remains - do more tachykinin receptors exist or is there just the need to reappraise Our understanding of the known receptors? The tachykinin NK1 receptor, the preferred receptor for both substance P and the peripheral SP-like endokinins, exists in several tissue-specific conformations and isoforms and may provide some clues. This review addresses recent advances in this exciting field and raises challenging new concepts. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.