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Neuropeptide

Neuromedin U

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide found in brain and gut, first isolated in 1985 for its uterus-contracting activity.

By The Peptides Codex Editorial TeamIndividual review date not recorded

Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.

Length
25 aa
Class
Neuropeptide
Function
Signals through NMUR1/NMUR2 receptors in smooth-muscle contraction, appetite suppression and energy balance
Context
Endogenous neuropeptide and target in metabolism and appetite research; not a Health Canada-authorized product

An anorexigenic neuropeptide whose loss produces obesity in mice — a magnet for appetite research.

Also known as: NmU · NMU · NmU-25

Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster

Overview

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide found in brain and gut, first isolated in 1985 for its uterus-contracting activity. Acting through the NMUR1 and NMUR2 receptors, it suppresses appetite and influences energy balance, making it a target in metabolism research. This page is educational and describes an endogenous peptide, not a product.

Source & context

Biological / chemical source: Human brain and gut (endogenous; human form is the 25-residue NmU-25)

Primary research or clinical context: Endogenous neuropeptide and target in metabolism and appetite research; not a Health Canada-authorized product

Structure and receptors

The human peptide is NmU-25, a 25-residue amidated neuropeptide, with shorter active forms found across species. It signals through two G-protein-coupled receptors, NMUR1 (more peripheral) and NMUR2 (more central), a receptor split that helps explain its wide range of actions from smooth-muscle contraction to central appetite control.

Why metabolism researchers care

Within the hypothalamus neuromedin U acts as an anorexigenic signal, suppressing appetite and promoting energy expenditure. Deleting the NMU gene in mice produces an obese, hyperphagic phenotype, while overexpression reduces fat storage — findings that make the NmU system a focus of obesity and metabolism research. This page is educational and makes no treatment claim.

Structure & chemistry

Molecular identity & reference confidence

Reference mass unavailable

Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.

Molecular form
Neuromedin U (source record; form not independently established)
Species
Not established by this molecular identity audit
Termini (N / C)
Not specified / Not specified

Average reference mass

Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05

Identifiers

Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-09-08.

FAQ about Neuromedin U

What is Neuromedin U?+

Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide found in brain and gut, first isolated in 1985 for its uterus-contracting activity. Acting through the NMUR1 and NMUR2 receptors, it suppresses appetite and influences energy balance, making it a target in metabolism research. This page is educational and describes an endogenous peptide, not a product.

What Canadian product status is recorded for Neuromedin U?+

Canadian product status for Neuromedin U has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.

What is the typical length of Neuromedin U?+

Neuromedin U is commonly described as approximately 25 amino acids (Neuropeptide).

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Substance P
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Met-enkephalin
Neuropeptide
Met-enkephalin (YGGFM) is an endogenous opioid pentapeptide foundational to pain and reward neurobiology research.
VIP
Neuropeptide
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-residue neuropeptide (HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN) first isolated from pig small intestine and identical in humans, mice and rats. It acts through the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors it shares with PACAP, relaxes smooth muscle, dilates vessels, modulates immunity and helps set the circadian clock. Native VIP is degraded within minutes; an inhaled formulation was evaluated for pulmonary hypertension in COPD without further development.

References & further reading

  1. 1.Cardoso et al. (2017). Neuronal regulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells via neuromedin U. Nature
  2. 2.Klose et al. (2017). The neuropeptide neuromedin U stimulates innate lymphoid cells and type 2 inflammation. Nature
  3. 3.Li et al. (2023). Neuromedin U programs eosinophils to promote mucosal immunity of the small intestine. Science
  4. 4.Hsiao et al. (2020). Neuromedin U (NMU) regulates osteoblast differentiation and activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun
  5. 5.Ju et al. (2024). Neuromedin-U Mediates Rapid Activation of Airway Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Mild Asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med
  6. 6.Born-Evers et al. (2023). Examining the Role of Hypothalamus-Derived Neuromedin-U (NMU) in Bone Remodeling of Rats. Life (Basel)
  7. 7.Ye et al. (2021). Neuromedin U: potential roles in immunity and inflammation. Immunology
  8. 8.Wan et al. (2018). Characterization of neuromedin U (NMU), neuromedin S (NMS) and their receptors (NMUR1, NMUR2) in chickens. Peptides
  9. 9.PubMed — Neuromedin U: a multifunctional neuropeptide with pleiotropic roles (25605682)
  10. 10.Wikipedia — Neuromedin U
Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Not instructions for human use. Research peptides and unapproved products may be restricted or illegal to market for human consumption in your jurisdiction. Consult qualified professionals and applicable law.
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