Relaxin-3

Relaxin-3 is a neuropeptide that belongs to the relaxin/insulin family. It was discovered in the early 2000s and is primarily found in the brain, specifically in the nucleus incertus of the brainstem. Relaxin-3 is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including stress response, feeding behavior, and circadian rhythm regulation.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Relaxin-3 is a peptide hormone, meaning it is composed of amino acids. It has a similar structure to insulin, with two chains (A and B) connected by disulfide bonds. The A-chain contains 24 amino acids, while the B-chain contains 29. This structure is conserved across many species, suggesting it plays a crucial role in the function of the hormone.

Function[edit | edit source]

Relaxin-3 is primarily expressed in the nucleus incertus of the brainstem, a region involved in stress response and arousal. It is also found in other areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus and hippocampus.

Relaxin-3 has been shown to play a role in several physiological processes. It is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, with studies showing that it can stimulate food intake. It also plays a role in the stress response, with increased levels of relaxin-3 observed in response to stress. Additionally, relaxin-3 is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, the body's internal clock.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in stress response and feeding behavior, relaxin-3 has been implicated in several disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and obesity. Studies have shown that blocking the action of relaxin-3 can reduce anxiety-like behavior in animal models, suggesting it may be a potential target for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Similarly, because of its role in stimulating food intake, relaxin-3 may be a potential target for the treatment of obesity.