Hypothalamic peptide central to the sleep–wake system.
Also known as: Hypocretin-1
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a 33-amino-acid hypothalamic neuropeptide central to the regulation of wakefulness and arousal. Loss of orexin signaling is a well-studied feature of narcolepsy research.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Lateral hypothalamus
Primary research or clinical context: Sleep and neuroscience research
Sleep–wake biology
Orexin-A and orexin-B are produced by a small population of lateral-hypothalamic neurons and act through OX1 and OX2 receptors to stabilize wakefulness. Their study reshaped understanding of narcolepsy and the neuroscience of arousal.
Structure note
Orexin-A contains two intrachain disulfide bonds and an amidated C-terminus that contribute to its stability. This page describes its physiology for education only.
FAQ about Orexin-A
What is Orexin-A?+
Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a 33-amino-acid hypothalamic neuropeptide central to the regulation of wakefulness and arousal. Loss of orexin signaling is a well-studied feature of narcolepsy research.
Is Orexin-A an approved medicine?+
Orexin-A is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Sleep and neuroscience research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Orexin-A?+
Orexin-A is commonly described as approximately 33 amino acids (Neuropeptide).