Nesfatin-1/Nucleobindin-2: Proteins and Enzymes

Nesfatin-1 (NEFA Encoded Satiety and Fat-influencing protein 1) is a secreted, 10 kDa peptide derived from the translation product of the NUCB2 gene. Nesfatin-1 is associated with neurons involved in feeding (ARH and PVH) and fluid intake (SON and PVH), in beta cells of the pancreas, and in adipocytes. Its presence peripherally has an anorexigenic effect. Mature human Nesfatin-1 is 82 amino acids (aa) in length. It is the secreted N-terminus of a larger, intracellular 420 aa precursor termed NEFA/Nucleobindin-2/NUCB2. NUCB2 contains a signal sequence (aa 1- 24), Nesfatin-1 (aa 25-106), a DNA-binding site (aa 171-223), and two EF-hand regions (aa 241-276 and 293-328). Intracellular uncleaved NUCB2 is 45-50 kDa in size. There is a potential for multiple cleavages, generating Nesfatin-2 (aa 109-187) and Nesfatin-3 (aa 190-420). Human Nesfatin-1 shares 85% aa identity with mouse Nesfatin-1.