NPY Gene: Function, Expression, and Clinical Significance

The NPY gene encodes a 36-amino acid neuropeptide that is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a potent orexigenic factor, stimulating food intake and reducing energy expenditure. It also modulates anxiety, stress resilience, blood pressure, and circadian rhythms. NPY acts through G protein-coupled receptors (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5) and is implicated in obesity, anxiety disorders, hypertension, and epilepsy.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Neuropeptide Y signaling pathway (Reactome: R-HSA-388396)

• GPCR downstream signaling (Reactome: R-HSA-388396)

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide with a characteristic PP-fold structure. It is synthesized as a preproprotein and processed to the mature amidated form. NPY is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, where it regulates feeding and energy balance. It also modulates stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular function. NPY signals through four known G protein-coupled receptors (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5) and is a target for anti-obesity and anxiolytic drug development.