Neuropeptide VF (NPVF), also known as prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), is a neuropeptide involved in regulating diverse physiological processes, including appetite, stress response, and hormone secretion. Discovered in the late 1990s, NPVF is primarily expressed in the hypothalamus and binds to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR10. Its role in modulating prolactin release and energy homeostasis has made it a subject of interest in neuroendocrinology and metabolic research.
NPVF antibodies are essential tools for studying the distribution, expression, and function of NPVF in biological systems. These antibodies are typically generated by immunizing animals with synthetic NPVF peptides or recombinant proteins, enabling detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Specificity and cross-reactivity remain critical challenges during antibody development due to structural similarities among neuropeptides.
Research using NPVF antibodies has elucidated its involvement in stress adaptation, feeding behavior, and reproductive functions. Dysregulation of NPVF signaling is implicated in conditions such as obesity, anxiety disorders, and infertility. Recent studies also explore its potential as a therapeutic target, though clinical applications remain exploratory. Ongoing efforts focus on refining antibody specificity and understanding NPVF's interactions with related signaling pathways to advance both basic science and translational medicine.