RF(Arg-Phe)amide family 26 amino acid peptide, also known as P518, is a human protein.[5]
The 26-amino acid RF-amide peptide, P518 functions as a high-affinity ligand of GPR103. Both GPR103 and P518 precursor mRNA exhibited highest expression in brain.[6] The 43-amino acid QRFP peptide, a longer form of the P518 peptide is necessary to exhibit full agonistic activity with GPR103. Intravenous administration QRFP caused release of aldosterone, suggesting that QRFP and GPR103 regulate adrenal function.[7]
Bruzzone F, Lectez B, Tollemer H, et al. (2007). "Anatomical distribution and biochemical characterization of the novel RFamide peptide 26RFa in the human hypothalamus and spinal cord". J. Neurochem. 99 (2): 616–27. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04090.x. PMID16899066.
Chartrel N, Bruzzone F, Dujardin C, et al. (2006). "Identification of 26RFa from frog brain: a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide with orexigenic activity in mammals". Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1040: 80–3. Bibcode:2005NYASA1040...80C. doi:10.1196/annals.1327.009. PMID15891009.
Thuau R, Guilhaudis L, Ségalas-Milazzo I, et al. (2005). "Structural studies on 26RFa, a novel human RFamide-related peptide with orexigenic activity". Peptides. 26 (5): 779–89. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2005.01.006. PMID15808908.