Npy - neuropeptide Y

This gene encodes a neuropeptide that plays a pivotal role in many physiological functions such as food intake, energy homeostasis, circadian rhythm, and cognition. The encoded protein precursor undergoes proteolytic processing to generate the biologically active peptide. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit mild seizures occasionally and become hyperphagic following food deprivation. A deficiency of the encoded protein partially prevents mice lacking leptin from becoming obese. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015]