Pro Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (proVIP) is a biological precursor molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body. It is specifically a precursor to the neuropeptide called Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP). proVIP is synthesized in the neural tissues and undergoes several enzymatic modifications to produce the mature, biologically active VIP.
VIP is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is widely distributed throughout the body, particularly in the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and immune cells. It acts by binding to specific receptors, known as VIP receptors, to mediate a range of functions including vasodilation, smooth muscle relaxation, immune modulation, and neurotransmission.
As a precursor molecule, proVIP consists of a longer amino acid sequence that includes the specific VIP peptide sequence. Upon entering the secretory pathway, proVIP is cleaved and modified by various enzymes to yield the active VIP molecule. These enzymatic modifications involve post-translational processing, such as amidation, glycosylation, and proteolytic cleavage.
The synthesis and release of proVIP are tightly regulated by various signaling pathways and physiological cues. Dysregulation of proVIP processing or imbalance in VIP levels have been associated with several pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. Therefore, studying proVIP and its processing mechanisms has significant implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic strategies.
