NCIt definition : Gastrin-releasing peptide (27 aa, 3 kDa) is encoded by the human GRP gene. This protein
is involved in hormone signaling in both the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.;
NCIt note : Gastrin-releasing peptide is comprised of amino acids 24-50 of pre-progastrin-releasing
peptide.; Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is the equivalent in mammals of the amphibian bombesin.
Infusion of either GRP or bombesin increases plasma levels of gastrin, pancreatic
polypeptide, glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide, and insulin. It is widely distributed
in the gastrointestinal tract and in the nervous system. In normal adult mammal GRP
is strictly a neuropeptide and functions in a neurotransmitter-like fashion. In the
fetus, a larger form of GRP acts as a hormone and exerts growth factor-like activity
on many organs, aiding in development.;