The function of this family, NPBW, which includes Neuropeptides B and W, is thought to be involved in activating G-protein coupled receptors, GPR7 and GPR8. It is thought to play a regulatory role in the organisation of neuroendocrine signals accessing the anterior pituitary gland. It is predicted that this effect will stimulate the increase in water-drinking and food-intake. This suggests it plays a role in the hypothalamic response to stress. This family of proteins is found in eukaryotes [1,2].

1: Identification of neuropeptide W as the endogenous ligand for orphan G-protein-coupled receptors GPR7 and GPR8. Shimomura Y, Harada M, Goto M, Sugo T, Matsumoto Y, Abe M, Watanabe T, Asami T, Kitada C, Mori M, Onda H, Fujino M; J Biol Chem. 2002;277:35826-35832. PMID:12130646

2: Neuropeptide B and W regulate leptin and resistin secretion, and stimulate lipolysis in isolated rat adipocytes. Skrzypski M, Pruszynska-Oszmalek E, Rucinski M, Szczepankiewicz D, Sassek M, Wojciechowicz T, Kaczmarek P, Kolodziejski PA, Strowski MZ, Malendowicz LK, Nowak KW; Regul Pept. 2012;176:51-56. PMID:22484289