Skip to main content

GHRL

Function

Ghrelin is the ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1 (GHSR). Induces the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. Has an appetite-stimulating effect, induces adiposity and stimulates gastric acid secretion. Involved in growth regulation.

Obestatin may be the ligand for GPR39. May have an appetite-reducing effect resulting in decreased food intake. May reduce gastric emptying activity and jejunal motility.

Post-translational modifications

O-octanoylation is essential for ghrelin activity. The replacement of Ser-26 by aromatic tryptophan preserves ghrelin activity (PubMed:10604470, PubMed:10801861).

Amidation of Leu-98 is essential for obestatin activity.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the motilin family.

Tissue specificity

Ghrelin is broadly expressed with higher expression in the stomach. Very low levels are detected in the hypothalamus, heart, lung, pancreas, intestine and adipose tissue. Obestatin is most highly expressed in jejunum, and also found in duodenum, stomach, pituitary, ileum, liver, hypothalamus and heart. Expressed in low levels in pancreas, cerebellum, cerebrum, kidney, testis, ovary colon and lung.

Cellular localization

  • Secreted

Alternative names

  • Appetite-regulating hormone
  • Growth hormone secretagogue
  • Growth hormone-releasing peptide
  • Motilin-related peptide
  • Ghrl

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

13176Da