Neuromedin U (NMU)

Neuromedin U is a neuropeptide found in the brain of humans and other mammals, which has a number of diverse functions including contraction of smooth muscle, regulation of blood pressure, pain perception, appetite, bone growth, and hormone release.

Neuromedin U exists as multiple isoforms (eg. 25 and 8 amino acids in humans) in some mammals, but only as a single isoform (eg. 23 amino acids in rats) in others. The relative contribution of the different isoforms to the biological function of neuromedin U is generally not well understood. Neuromedin U, like many neuroactive peptides, is amidated at the C-terminus. The sequence of neuromedin U-23 in rats is: YKVNEYNGPVAPSGGFFLFRPRN-(NH2)