Neuropeptide W is an endogenous peptide ligand for GPR8, a G protein-coupled receptor.Detected at high levels in the substantia nigra, fetal kidney and trachea; at lower levels in testis, uterus, ovary and placenta. Not detectable in many regions of the central nervous system. Also detected at high levels in lymphoblastic leukemia and colorectal adenocarcinoma.
The product of this gene is processed into 23- and 30-amino acid neuropeptides that bind and activate two G-protein coupled receptors in the central nervous system. The neuropeptides have been shown to enhance cortisol secretion from adrenal cells through the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A signaling cascade. The preproprotein is translated using a non-AUG initiation codon that is inferred from analyses of the mouse ortholog.