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Peptide hormone (natriuretic peptide)

C-type natriuretic peptide

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a 22-residue peptide of the natriuretic family that acts locally rather than as a circulating natriuretic hormone. Signaling through NPR-B and cGMP, it regulates endochondral bone growth, vascular tone and neuronal function. This page is educational and not medical advice.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamReviewed July 10, 2026
Length
22 aa
Class
Peptide hormone (natriuretic peptide)
Function
Paracrine signaling via NPR-B; bone growth and vascular tone
Context
Endochondral growth and vascular physiology research

The paracrine member of the natriuretic family, driving long-bone growth through NPR-B.

Also known as: CNP · CNP-22 · NPPC

Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster

Overview

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a 22-residue peptide of the natriuretic family that acts locally rather than as a circulating natriuretic hormone. Signaling through NPR-B and cGMP, it regulates endochondral bone growth, vascular tone and neuronal function. This page is educational and not medical advice.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the NPPC gene (endothelium, cartilage, brain)

Primary research or clinical context: Endochondral growth and vascular physiology research

Distinct receptor and role

Unlike ANP and BNP, CNP is a selective agonist of natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) and lacks direct natriuretic activity. It is produced by endothelium, cartilage and the nervous system and functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner near its site of release.

Growth and vascular interest

CNP-NPR-B signaling is essential for growth-plate chondrocyte proliferation, which is why CNP analogs are studied in skeletal-dysplasia research. It also modulates vascular tone, gamete maturation and neuronal integrity, giving it a broad physiological footprint.

Sequence

One-letter sequence commonly cited for C-type natriuretic peptide (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):

GLSKGCFGLKLDRIGSMSGLGC

GLSKGCFGLKLDRIGSMSGLGC

G1L2S3K4G5C6F7G8L9K10L11D12R13I14G15S16M17S18G19L20G21C22
Helical wheel projection

Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.

Analyze sequences in the playground →

FAQ about C-type natriuretic peptide

What is C-type natriuretic peptide?+

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a 22-residue peptide of the natriuretic family that acts locally rather than as a circulating natriuretic hormone. Signaling through NPR-B and cGMP, it regulates endochondral bone growth, vascular tone and neuronal function. This page is educational and not medical advice.

Is C-type natriuretic peptide an approved medicine?+

C-type natriuretic peptide is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Endochondral growth and vascular physiology research. This is not medical advice.

What is the typical length of C-type natriuretic peptide?+

C-type natriuretic peptide is commonly described as approximately 22 amino acids (Peptide hormone (natriuretic peptide)).

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References & further reading

  1. 1.Wikipedia — Natriuretic peptide precursor C
  2. 2.PMC — C-Type Natriuretic Peptide: a paracrine regulator in heart and vasculature
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