VGF

This gene is specifically expressed in a subpopulation of neuroendocrine cells, and is upregulated by nerve growth factor. The structural organization of this gene is similar to that of the rat gene, and both the translated and the untranslated regions show a high degree of sequence similarity to the rat gene. The encoded secretory protein also shares similarities with the secretogranin/chromogranin family, however, its exact function is not known.

VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible

Neurosecretory protein VGF
Secreted polyprotein that is packaged and proteolytically processed by prohormone convertases PCSK1 and PCSK2 in a cell-type-specific manner (By similarity).
VGF and peptides derived from its processing play many roles in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity associated with learning, memory, depression and chronic pain (By similarity).
Neuroendocrine regulatory peptide-1
Plays a role in the control of body fluid homeostasis by regulating vasopressin release. Suppresses presynaptic glutamatergic neurons connected to vasopressin neurons.
Neuroendocrine regulatory peptide-2
Plays a role in the control of body fluid homeostasis by regulating vasopressin release. Activates GABAergic interneurons which are inhibitory neurons of the nervous system and thereby suppresses presynaptic glutamatergic neurons (By similarity).
Stimulates also feeding behavior in an orexin-dependent manner in the hypothalamus (By similarity).
Functions as a positive regulator for the activation of orexin neurons resulting in elevated gastric acid secretion and gastric emptying (By similarity).
VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21
Secreted multifunctional neuropeptide that binds to different cell receptors and thereby plays multiple physiological roles including modulation of energy expenditure, pain, response to stress, gastric regulation, glucose homeostasis as well as lipolysis (By similarity).
Activates the G-protein-coupled receptor C3AR1 via a folding-upon-binding mechanism leading to enhanced lipolysis in adipocytes (By similarity).
Interacts with C1QBP receptor in macrophages and microglia causing increased levels of intracellular calcium and hypersensitivity (By similarity).
VGF-derived peptide TLQP-62
Plays a role in the regulation of memory formation and depression-related behaviors potentially by influencing synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Induces acute and transient activation of the NTRK2/TRKB receptor and subsequent CREB phosphorylation (By similarity).
Induces also insulin secretion in insulinoma cells by increasing intracellular calcium mobilization (By similarity).
Antimicrobial peptide VGF[554-577]
Has bactericidal activity against M. luteus, and antifungal activity against P. Pastoris.

Biological Process carbohydrate homeostasis Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process defense response to bacterium Source:UniProtKB-KW
Biological Process generation of precursor metabolites and energy Source:Ensembl
Biological Process glucose homeostasis Source:Ensembl
Biological Process insulin secretion Source:Ensembl
Biological Process ovarian follicle development Source:Ensembl
Biological Process penile erection Source:Ensembl
Biological Process regulation of neuronal synaptic plasticity Source:Ensembl
Biological Process regulation of synaptic plasticity Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process response to cAMP Source:UniProtKB1 Publication
Biological Process response to cold Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to dietary excess Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to insulin Source:Ensembl
Biological Process sexual reproduction Source:Ensembl
Biological Process synaptic signaling via neuropeptide Source:Ensembl

Neurosecretory protein VGF
Secreted
Cytoplasmic vesicle, secretory vesicle
Stored in secretory vesicles and then secreted, NERP peptides colocalize with vasopressin in the storage granules of hypothalamus.

Multiple peptides are derived from VGF, with activities in synaptic plasticity, antidepression, penile erection, autonomic activation, and increases in energy expenditure.