A conserved neuropeptide identified in 2013 that potentiates reproductive hormone signaling.
Also known as: PNX · phoenixin-14 · phoenixin-20 · SMIM20
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Phoenixin (PNX) is a highly conserved neuropeptide first described in 2013 and processed from the SMIM20 prohormone into 14- and 20-residue forms. Signaling through the GPR173 receptor, it is studied for roles in reproduction, appetite, anxiety and energy metabolism. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Cleaved from the SMIM20 prohormone (hypothalamus, peripheral tissues)
Primary research or clinical context: Reproductive and behavioral neuroendocrine research
Forms and receptor
Two cleavage sites in SMIM20 yield phoenixin-14 and phoenixin-20. Phoenixin-20 is enriched in the hypothalamus while phoenixin-14 appears peripherally, and both act through the orphan-derived receptor GPR173 to influence gonadotropin signaling.
Broad physiological roles
In the reproductive system phoenixin potentiates luteinizing-hormone secretion and supports oocyte maturation. Research also links it to food intake, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, sensory processing, memory and energy metabolism, marking it as a multifunctional signaling peptide.
FAQ about Phoenixin
What is Phoenixin?+
Phoenixin (PNX) is a highly conserved neuropeptide first described in 2013 and processed from the SMIM20 prohormone into 14- and 20-residue forms. Signaling through the GPR173 receptor, it is studied for roles in reproduction, appetite, anxiety and energy metabolism. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Phoenixin an approved medicine?+
Phoenixin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Reproductive and behavioral neuroendocrine research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Phoenixin?+
Phoenixin is commonly described as approximately 14 amino acids (Neuropeptide).