This gene encodes a member of the bombesin-like family of neuropeptides, which negatively regulate eating behavior. The encoded protein may regulate colonic smooth muscle contraction through binding to its cognate receptor, the neuromedin B receptor (NMBR). Polymorphisms of this gene may be associated with hunger, weight gain and obesity. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015],function:Stimulates smooth muscle contraction in a manner similar to that of bombesin.,similarity:Belongs to the bombesin/neuromedin-B/ranatensin family.,
