BRP [BRINP2-related Peptide]

BRP (BRINP2-related peptide) is a 12-amino acid peptide, which was discovered through Peptide Predictor, a computational-functional approach based on prohormone convertase (PCSK) prohormone processing. BRP is generated by the cleavage of the 78-kDa secreted parent protein BRINP2 by enzymes such as PCSK1. The C-terminal amidation of BRP is critical for bioactivity. In mice, humans and pigs, BRINP2 is predominantly expressed in the brain. When administered pharmacologically, BRP reduces food intake and exhibits anti-obesity effects in mice and pigs. BRP administration triggers central FOS activation and acts independently of leptin, GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). Instead, it activates the central CREB-FOS signaling pathway, specifically by activating some regions of the hypothalamus. BRP does not cause changes in pancreatic activity and does not affect blood glucose levels and insulin secretion. It also does not induce nausea or aversion, unlike GDF15, showing certain advantages in improving metabolism.