PACAP-related peptide (PRP)--molecular evolution and potential functions.

PACAP-related peptide (PRP) and PACAP are structurally related peptides that are encoded in the same transcripts. In the past, it was believed that the mammalian PRPs are evolved from GHRHs in non-mammals. With the recent discovery of authentic GHRH and receptor genes in frog and fish, this review aims to (1) coin the name of all GHRH-like peptides in previous literature as PRPs and (2) provide the background for new research direction for PRP in vertebrates. As a goldfish receptor highly specific for PRP with distinct tissue distribution has previously been characterized, it is highly possible that PRP plays a physiological role in non-mammalian vertebrates and the function of PRP has somehow been lost in mammals as a consequence of the loss of its receptor in the genome. This information may provide clues to elucidate functions of PRP in the future.