SERIES EDITORS:
Lakshmi Devi, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Lloyd D. Fricker, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Communication between cells is essential in all multicellular organisms, and even in many unicellular organisms. A variety of molecules are used for cell-cell signaling, including small molecules, proteins, and peptides. The term ‘neuropeptide’ refers specifically to peptides that function as neurotransmitters, and includes some peptides that also function in the endocrine system as peptide hormones. Neuropeptides represent the largest group of neurotransmitters, with hundreds of biologically active peptides and dozens of neuropeptide receptors known in mammalian systems, and many more peptides and receptors identified in invertebrate systems. In addition, a large number of peptides have been identified but not yet characterized in terms of function. The known functions of neuropeptides include a variety of physiological and behavioral processes such as feeding and body weight regulation, reproduction, anxiety, depression, pain, reward pathways, social behavior, and memory. This series will present the various neuropeptide systems and other aspects of neuropeptides (such as peptide biosynthesis), with individual volumes contributed by experts in the field.
Print ISSN: 2166-6628 / E-ISSN: 2166-6636