Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A 14-residue peptide identified bioinformatically that acts through galanin receptors to influence appetite and metabolism.
Also known as: SPX · NPQ · neuropeptide Q
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Spexin (neuropeptide Q) is a 14-amino-acid endogenous peptide discovered by bioinformatic analysis in 2007. It signals through galanin receptors GALR2 and GALR3 and is studied for roles in satiety, glucose and lipid homeostasis, gut motility and cardiovascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the SPX gene (widely expressed tissues)
Primary research or clinical context: Metabolic and neuroendocrine physiology research
Sequence and receptors
The conserved mature peptide (NWTPQAMLYLKGAQ) is released from the SPX precursor between mono- and di-basic cleavage sites. Rather than binding a spexin-specific receptor, it acts as a ligand at the galanin receptors GALR2 and GALR3, placing it within the broader galanin peptide system.
Physiological interest
Spexin is expressed in liver, pancreas, visceral fat, intestine and adrenal gland. Research links it to food intake, body weight, lipid handling and stress responses, and reduced circulating levels have been reported in obesity, making it a candidate metabolic biomarker.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Spexin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
NWTPQAMLYLKGAQ
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
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
- Spexin (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
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-09-06
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-09-06
- Molecular formula
- C74H114N20O19S
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,619.9
Chemistry values: PubChem, IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-09-06.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 1 registered study with “Spexin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07359092 | Spexin and Phoenixin-20 in Girls With Central Precocious Puberty | — | completed | 2026-01-22 |
Spexin — 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: Spexin (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 1,619.9 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 Spexin
What is Spexin?+
Spexin (neuropeptide Q) is a 14-amino-acid endogenous peptide discovered by bioinformatic analysis in 2007. It signals through galanin receptors GALR2 and GALR3 and is studied for roles in satiety, glucose and lipid homeostasis, gut motility and cardiovascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Spexin?+
Canadian product status for Spexin 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 Spexin?+
Spexin is commonly described as approximately 14 amino acids (Neuropeptide / peptide hormone).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Li et al. (2024). Spexin Diminishes Atrial Fibrillation Vulnerability by Acting on Galanin Receptor 2. Circulation
- 2.Ou et al. (2024). Spexin inhibits excessive autophagy-induced ferroptosis to alleviate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Beclin 1. Br J Pharmacol
- 3.Jiang et al. (2026). Peptide hormone spexin restores beta cell function and improves glycaemic control in mice via regulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diabetologia
- 4.Fang et al. (2024). Novel hypothalamic pathways for metabolic effects of spexin. Pharmacol Res
- 5.Sun et al. (2023). The role of spexin in energy metabolism. Peptides
- 6.Lv et al. (2019). Emerging Roles of NPQ/Spexin in Physiology and Pathology. Front Pharmacol
- 7.Tran et al. (2022). Spexin: Its role, regulation, and therapeutic potential in the hypothalamus. Pharmacol Ther
- 8.Lv et al. (2020). Peripheral Spexin Inhibited Food Intake in Mice. Int J Endocrinol
- 9.UniProtKB — SPX, Spexin (Human) Q9BT56
- 10.PMC — Emerging Roles of NPQ/Spexin in Physiology and Pathology
- 11.GeneCards — SPX gene (Spexin Hormone)