Apln - apelin

This gene encodes the neuropeptide Apelin, an endogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. This gene is highly expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and the encoded preproprotein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate mature peptides of different sizes that are secreted into the plasma. These peptides play important roles in a broad range of physiological processes such as cardiac contractility, blood pressure, blood vessel growth, appetite and drink behavior, and pituitary hormone secretion. Mice lacking the encoded protein develop progressive heart failure and exhibit a shorter bleeding time, prothrombotic profile and increased bone mass. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]