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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.
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
- Phoenixin (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
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 1 registered study with “Phoenixin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07004556 | The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Blood Phoenixin-14 Levels | — | completed | 2026-01-13 |
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.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Phoenixin?+
Canadian product status for Phoenixin 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 Phoenixin?+
Phoenixin is commonly described as approximately 14 amino acids (Neuropeptide).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Billert et al. (2020). Phoenixin: More than Reproductive Peptide. Int J Mol Sci
- 2.Mcilwraith et al. (2018). Phoenixin: uncovering its receptor, signaling and functions. Acta Pharmacol Sin
- 3.Kulinska et al. (2021). Phoenixin as a New Target in the Development of Strategies for Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment. Biomedicines
- 4.McIlwraith et al. (2022). The Regulation of Phoenixin: A Fascinating Multidimensional Peptide. J Endocr Soc
- 5.Liang et al. (2022). Regulation and physiological functions of phoenixin. Front Mol Biosci
- 6.Pałasz et al. (2021). Modulatory effect of olanzapine on SMIM20/phoenixin, NPQ/spexin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 gene expressions in the rat brainstem. Pharmacol Rep
- 7.Schalla et al. (2019). The role of phoenixin in behavior and food intake. Peptides
- 8.Ozdemir-Kumral et al. (2022). Phoenixin 14 ameloriates pancreatic injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by alleviating oxidative burden. J Pharm Pharmacol
- 9.PMC — Phoenixin: More than a Reproductive Peptide
- 10.Wikipedia — SMIM20 (phoenixin prohormone)