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N-terminal pyroglutamate 13-mer that interacts with dopamine systems.
Also known as: NT
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide found in the brain and gut. Research examines its interactions with dopamine signaling and its roles as a neuromodulator and local hormone.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Brain and gastrointestinal tract
Primary research or clinical context: Neuroscience research
Structure and activity
The biologically active region is the C-terminal portion of the peptide, and the mature form carries a pyroglutamate at its N-terminus. Its interplay with dopaminergic pathways makes neurotensin a frequent subject of basic neuroscience research.
Dual central and peripheral roles
Neurotensin functions both as a central neuromodulator and as a peripheral signaling peptide in the digestive tract. Educational discussion here focuses on this physiology, not on any therapeutic application.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Human neurotensin(1-13), N-terminal L-pyroglutamate, C-terminal free acid. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
XLYENKPRRPYIL
X positions L-pyroglutamate (5-oxoproline), cyclized from N-terminal glutamine. X marks a noncanonical residue; see the expanded sequence and reference chemistry below.
Analyze sequences in the playground →Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
The reviewed human precursor chain starts with Gln, with a documented pyrrolidone-carboxylic-acid modification. The PubChem graph directly confirms the pGlu lactam and remaining 12 residues. X plus its legend represents the selected mature structure accurately.
- Molecular form
- Human neurotensin(1-13), N-terminal L-pyroglutamate, C-terminal free acid
- Species
- Homo sapiens
- Termini (N / C)
- Blocked L-pyroglutamate lactam nitrogen / Free L-leucine carboxylic acid (-COOH)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
L-pGlu-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Asn-Lys-Pro-Arg-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu-OH
- Molecular formula
- C78H121N21O20
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,672.9
- Backbone
- Human neurotensin(1-13), N-terminal L-pyroglutamate, C-terminal free acid
- C-terminus
- Free L-leucine carboxylic acid (-COOH)
- PubChem CID: 25077406
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 17 registered studies with “Neurotensin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07337707 | New Microbiota-endocrine Axis in Fructose Malabsorption-caused Visceral Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Sy | Not applicable | not yet recruiting | 2026-01-13 |
| NCT07235670 | Gastrointestinal Hormone Secretion, Intestinal Permeability and Short Bowel Syndrome | Not applicable | completed | 2025-11-19 |
| NCT06453239 | Assessment the Diagnostic Value of Pro-Neurotensin as a Serum Biomarker in MASLD | — | unknown | 2024-06-11 |
| NCT03525392 | Study to Evaluate the Safety and Activity (Including Distribution) of 177Lu-3BP-227 in Subjects With Solid Tum | Phase 1 | terminated | 2023-12-12 |
| NCT03176381 | Tissue Predictors of Abiraterone Benefit | — | completed | 2023-11-14 |
| NCT05048810 | Clinical Application of 68Ga-DOTA-NT-20.3 in the Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma | Not applicable | completed | 2023-09-14 |
Neurotensin — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Human neurotensin(1-13), N-terminal L-pyroglutamate, C-terminal free acidAverage reference mass: 1,672.9 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Neurotensin
What is Neurotensin?+
Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide found in the brain and gut. Research examines its interactions with dopamine signaling and its roles as a neuromodulator and local hormone.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Neurotensin?+
Canadian product status for Neurotensin 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 length of the selected reference form for Neurotensin?+
The selected reference form (Human neurotensin(1-13), N-terminal L-pyroglutamate, C-terminal free acid) has 13 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Gereau et al. (2023). Neurotensin and energy balance. J Neurochem
- 2.Vincent et al. (1999). Neurotensin and neurotensin receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci
- 3.Calam et al. (1983). Neurotensin stimulates defaecation. Lancet
- 4.Jolas et al. (1997). Neurotensin and the serotonergic system. Prog Neurobiol
- 5.Ferraro et al. (2016). Neurotensin: A role in substance use disorder?. J Psychopharmacol
- 6.Nikolaou et al. (2020). The role of Neurotensin and its receptors in non-gastrointestinal cancers: a review. Cell Commun Signal
- 7.Zhao et al. (2024). Neurotensin contributes to cholestatic liver disease potentially modulating matrix metalloprotease-7. Int J Biochem Cell Biol
- 8.Li et al. (2025). Neurotensin inhibits AMPK activity and concurrently enhances FABP1 expression in small intestinal epithelial cells associated with obesity and aging. Exp Mol Med
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Neurotensin (CID 25077406)
- 10.Wikipedia — Neurotensin