Pathophysiological role of TLQP-21: gastrointestinal and metabolic functions.

The present review summarizes recent findings on the metabolic and gastroenteric role of the VGF gene and a peptide derived by post-translational cleavage of the VGF pro-hormone, i.e. TLQP-21. The vgf gene is widely expressed through the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral nervous system, in myenteric plexus ganglia and also in the glandular portion of the stomach. A few VGF derived peptide have been shown to possess biological activity, among them TLQP-21 attracted particular interest following its identification within rat nervous system. In particular, recent studies from our and other groups implicated TLQP-21 in both the modulation of energy homeostasis, body weight regulation and neuroendocrine functions as well as in the central control of gut functions. Overall, findings available point to a role for TLQP-21 in negatively affecting the body energy balance.