Scientists Uncover Bombesin-Like Neuropeptide System in Invertebrates

Fast Summary

• The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Volume 122, Issue 13 (April 2025), features research on bombesin (BN), a peptide first discovered in frog skin.
• BN-related neuropeptides, including gastrin-releasing peptide and neuromedin B, were later identified in mammals and other vertebrates.
• These peptides function as regulators of feeding, digestion, and other physiological processes across various species.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The discussed research highlights the interconnectedness of biological functions across species through shared neuropeptides like bombesin.For India’s scientific community, this study represents another step toward understanding interspecies biological mechanisms that can be applied to advancements in medicine or biotechnology. Such findings may inspire deeper investigation into how these peptides influence human health directly or indirectly through evolutionarily conserved pathways. While primarily intended for an academic audience,India’s robust biotech ecosystem could consider leveraging this knowledge for practical applications concerning digestion-related disorders or metabolic regulation technologies.

Read More