Anti-GRP

This gene encodes a member of the bombesin-like family of gastrin-releasing peptides. Its preproprotein, following cleavage of a signal peptide, is further processed to produce either the 27 aa gastrin-releasing peptide or the 10 aa neuromedin C. These smaller peptides regulate numerous functions of the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, including release of gastrointestinal hormones, smootHuman, Mouseuscle cell contraction, and epithelial cell proliferation. These peptides are also likely to play a role in human cancers of the lung, colon, stomach, pancreas, breast, and prostate. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. Protein function: Stimulates the release of gastrin and other gastrointestinal hormones. Contributes to the perception of prurient stimuli and to the transmission of itch signals in the spinal cord that promote scratching behavior. Contributes primarily to nonhistaminergic itch sensation. Contributes to long-term fear memory, but not normal spatial memory. Contributes to the regulation of food intake. [The UniProt Consortium]