Spexin, alternatively named NPQ, is a peptide hormone and is derived from a pro-hormone. This family of proteins has a role in inducing stomach wall contraction and is expressed in the submucosal layer of the mouse oesophagus and stomach. Spexin, like most peptide hormones, is a ligand for G-protein coupled receptors [1]. Spexin is also thought to have a role in controlling arterial blood pressure as well as salt and water balance [2].

1: Identification of novel peptide hormones in the human proteome by hidden Markov model screening. Mirabeau O, Perlas E, Severini C, Audero E, Gascuel O, Possenti R, Birney E, Rosenthal N, Gross C; Genome Res. 2007;17:320-327. PMID:17284679

2: Peptides derived from the prohormone proNPQ/spexin are potent central modulators of cardiovascular and renal function and nociception. Toll L, Khroyan TV, Sonmez K, Ozawa A, Lindberg I, McLaughlin JP, Eans SO, Shahien AA, Kapusta DR; FASEB J. 2012;26:947-954. PMID:22038051