| The neuromedins (Nm) are a family of bioactive peptides best known for their roles in smooth muscle contraction. Nm family of bioactive peptides include: Bombesin-like (NmB, NmC), kassinin-like (NmL and NmK or neurokinins A and B), neurotensin-like (NmN), and neuromedin U (NmU, for its ability to stimulate uterine muscle contraction). Two molecular forms of NmU, NmU-25 and its cleavage product (NmU-8) were initially isolated in 1985 from porcine spinal cord and then found in variety of mammals, birds, and reptile. NmU-like immunoreactivity has been detected in mammalian brain, GI-tracts of various species, and in the thyroid and endocrine cells of pituitary glands. Besides its roles in smooth muscle contraction (human ileum, urinary bladder, rat stomach etc), NmU has also been implicated in hypertension, blood flow in intestine, and neurotransmission. Recent identification of two structurally related, orphan G-protein coupled receptors, termed NMUR1 (GPCR66/FM-3/SNORF62) and NMUR2 (TGR-1/FM-4/SNORF72), as cognate receptors of NmU will help understand the physiological roles of NmU at the cellular and molecular levels. NMU receptors display a typical 7 TM domains with extracellular N-terminus and intracellular C-terminus. NmU is synthesized from a large precursor peptide and cleaved into 25aa (human NmU, 25aa, rat NmU, 23aa, porcine NmU, 25aa) and 8aa (Nmu-8, 18-25) biologically active peptides. NMU peptides from various species share the greatest homology in the their C-terminal regions, which is also critical in biological activity. NMU is present in nerves throughout the GI-tracts, corticotrophs within the anterior and lobe of rat and human pituitary glands, parafollicular cells of in rat thyroid gland, and in various regions of brain (spinal cord, hypothalamus, substantia nigra, hippocampus, amygdala). Low levels of NmU are also found in human adipose tissue, lymphocytes, and spleen. Amino Acid Sequence: FRV DEE FQS PFA SQS RGY F LF RPR N-amide Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and Antibody Blocking. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receipt at -20C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. |
