Gastrin-releasing peptide, also known as GRP, is an important regulatory molecule that has been implicated in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human organism.
The corresponding human gene has been identified. This gene encodes a member of the bombesin-like family of gastrin-releasing peptides. Its 148 amino acid (AA) preproprotein, following cleavage of a signal peptide, is further processed to produce either the 27 AA gastrin-releasing peptide or the 10 AA neuromedin C. These smaller peptides regulate numerous functions of the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, including release of gastrointestinal hormones, smooth muscle cell contraction, and epithelial cell proliferation.