NTS
NTS (neurotensin) is a secreted neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the central nervous system and may act as an endocrine or paracrine regulator of fat metabolism. The NTS gene encodes a common precursor for neurotensin and neuromedin N. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NTS research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NTS encodes a common precursor for two peptides, neuromedin N and neurotensin. Neurotensin is a secreted tridecapeptide that is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, where it may function as a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator. UniProt annotates a further role: neurotensin may act in an endocrine or paracrine manner in the regulation of fat metabolism, and it causes contraction of smooth muscle.
The NTS protein belongs to the neurotensin family and is found in the extracellular space and in cytoplasmic secretory vesicles, consistent with regulated peptide release. Tissue-specific processing of the precursor may lead, in some tissues, to larger forms of neuromedin N and neurotensin. These larger forms may be more stable peptides and are also biologically active, so the processing state of the precursor is relevant when interpreting results. The NTS gene is classed by HGNC within the neuropeptides gene group, and orthologues are present in mouse and rat (both Nts).
Beyond neurotransmission, neurotensin may be involved in dopamine-associated pathophysiological events and in the maintenance of gut structure and function. It also exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. The receptors NTSR1 and NTSR2 are the related targets most often studied alongside NTS when examining neurotensin signalling.
Neurotensin is widely distributed in the central nervous system and may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.
NTS may be involved in dopamine-associated pathophysiological events, making it a subject of interest in neural circuit studies.
Neurotensin may play an endocrine or paracrine role in the regulation of fat metabolism.
Neurotensin may help maintain gut structure and function, and it shows antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.
NTS encodes the precursor of neurotensin and neuromedin N. Neurotensin may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the central nervous system, may regulate fat metabolism through endocrine or paracrine action, and causes smooth muscle contraction. It may also help maintain gut structure and function.
Both peptides are produced from the same precursor encoded by the NTS gene. Tissue-specific processing can yield larger forms of each peptide in some tissues. These larger forms may be more stable and are also biologically active, which can affect how the peptides are measured.
Yes. The mouse and rat orthologues are both named Nts, so the target can be studied in common rodent models. Neurotensin belongs to the neurotensin family. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Neurotensin receptors that mediate NTS signalling, with related products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P30990; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.