VIP

Description

VIP Peptide
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, or VIP, is a short peptide hormone composed of 28 amino acid residues found naturally in both peripheral and central nervous systems.(1) Researchers speculate that the apparently wide distribution of the peptide indicates its pleiotropic potential as a neurotransmitter, vasodilator, and possibly as an immune regulator and secretagogue.(1)
VIP has a vast spectrum of potential, including but not limited to neuromodulation and neurotransmission functions. Given the wide range of its possible relevance in various research contexts, VIP has been of immense interest among researchers for further exploration.(2)(3)
Overview
Scientists posit that the VIP peptide binds with three types of G protein-coupled receptors, namely VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1. Upon binding with these receptors, the pathway associated with adenylate cyclase (key regulatory enzyme) may be activated, possibly resulting in biological activity.(4) The primary difference between the three receptors is their localization. Research indicates that VPAC1 is mainly expressed in the brain and peripheral areas, such as the liver, lungs, intestine, and immune cells, whereas VPAC2 is expressed in the central nervous system and other peripheral areas such as the pancreas, heart, kidney, skeletal muscles, gastrointestinal and reproductive tract, and PAC1 is predominant in the brain and adrenal region.(4) Owing to the wide distribution of the receptors, researchers suggest that VIP and receptor binding might affect different targets in the central and peripheral system (depending on receptor location).