Menu

Ghrelin: Molecular Insights into the "Hunger Hormone"

Endocrinology Diagnostics

Molecular Structure and Biosynthesis

  • Ghrelin is a hormone primarily produced in the fundic area of the stomach.
  • Encoded by the GHRL gene on chromosome 3p25-26.
  • Key molecular characteristics:
    • A 28-amino acid peptide
    • Unique octanoylation at serine 3
    • Ability to bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R)
    • Exceptional stability and bioactivity
  • Biosynthetic pathway involves:
    • Proteolytic cleavage of preproghrelin
    • Enzymatic octanoylation by ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT)
    • Formation of acylated and unacylated ghrelin variants
    • Precise post-translational modifications for receptor interaction

Physiological Roles and Systemic Interactions

  • Metabolic Regulation:
    • Stimulates appetite and food intake
    • Influences energy homeostasis
    • Regulates glucose metabolism
    • Modulates insulin sensitivity
    • Plays a critical role in weight management
  • Neuroendocrine Signalling:
    • Stimulates growth hormone release
    • Influences hypothalamic-pituitary axis
    • Modulates neural plasticity
    • Contributes to emotional and cognitive processes
    • Interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems
  • Gastrointestinal Function:
    • Regulates gastric motility
    • Influences digestive enzyme secretion
    • Protects gastrointestinal mucosa
    • Modulates inflammatory responses
    • Contributes to gut-brain communication
  • Cardiovascular Interactions:
    • Influences cardiac function
    • Modulates blood pressure regulation
    • Provides potential cardioprotective effects
    • Interacts with autonomic nervous system
    • Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties

Pathological Associations and Clinical Significance

  • Metabolic Disorders:
    • Implicated in obesity mechanisms
    • Potential therapeutic target for weight management
    • Influences insulin resistance
    • Contributes to metabolic syndrome understanding
    • Offers insights into energy metabolism dysregulation
  • Endocrine Pathologies:
    • Associated with growth hormone disorders
    • Potential role in diabetes management
    • Influences reproductive hormone interactions
    • Contributes to understanding neuroendocrine dysfunction
    • Offers potential diagnostic biomarker opportunities
  • Neurological Implications:
    • Potential neuroprotective mechanisms
    • Influences mood and cognitive function
    • Linked to neurodegenerative disease processes
    • Contributes to understanding neural plasticity
    • Potential therapeutic target in neurological conditions
  • Psychiatric Disorders:
    • Influences stress response mechanisms
    • Potential role in mood regulation
    • Contributes to understanding eating disorders
    • Interacts with reward and motivation systems
    • Offers insights into neuropsychiatric conditions

Suitable ELISA Kits

Visit the BioSupply Ltd website for more information on Ghrelin: Molecular Insights into the "Hunger Hormone"

ENQUIRY FORM

More News

  • TNF Alpha: A Central Mediator of Inflammation and Immune Response

  • Sclerostin (SOST): The Master Regulator of Bone Formation

  • TNFSF11/RANKL: A Key Regulator of Bone Metabolism and Beyond

  • Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): The Body's Powerful Antioxidant Defence System