Other · SMIM20-derived amidated peptide
Phoenixin-14
Also known as PNX-14
An amidated SMIM20-derived peptide studied in neuroendocrine models, with GPR173 proposed as a signalling partner.
- Length
- 14 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Phoenixin-14 has been linked to cAMP/PKA-associated signalling and changes in neuroendocrine gene expression in experimental systems. GPR173 is a proposed receptor or signalling mediator, but direct binding and definitive receptor deorphanisation remain insufficiently established.
- Studied in
- Hypothalamic neuronal cultures, pituitary preparations and rodent models are used to investigate phoenixin-14-associated neuroendocrine signalling and GPR173-dependent responses.
About Phoenixin-14
Phoenixin-14 is one of two widely studied amidated peptides reported from the C-terminal region of small integral membrane protein 20, encoded by SMIM20. Phoenixin was described in 2013 following a sequence-based search for previously unrecognised bioactive peptides. The 14-residue form shares its full sequence with the C-terminal portion of phoenixin-20. This relationship makes terminal chemistry and peptide length essential identifiers when comparing preparations or interpreting assays that detect both forms.
Experimental studies associate phoenixin-14 with regulation of neuroendocrine signalling, including changes in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-related pathways in cellular and rodent systems. GPR173 has been implicated through expression and loss-of-function experiments, although these findings do not by themselves establish direct ligand–receptor binding. Reported downstream events include cAMP/PKA-associated signalling in selected preparations. Mechanistic conclusions should therefore distinguish observed cellular responses from a fully validated receptor assignment and account for differences between the 14- and 20-residue peptides.
Laboratory notes
- Verify the 14-residue identity and C-terminal amidation; analytical methods should distinguish this material from phoenixin-20 and terminally modified variants.
- Check antibody cross-reactivity with phoenixin-20 and SMIM20-derived material before interpreting immunoassay signals as phoenixin-14-specific.
- For GPR173 attribution, combine expression measurements with loss-of-function and rescue controls; a downstream response alone does not demonstrate direct binding.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Phoenixin-14
How does phoenixin-14 differ from phoenixin-20?
Phoenixin-14 corresponds to the C-terminal 14 residues of phoenixin-20. Both are studied as amidated peptides, but their assay behaviour should not be assumed to be identical.
Is GPR173 an established phoenixin-14 receptor?
GPR173 is a proposed receptor or mediator supported by functional experiments. Definitive direct binding and broadly accepted receptor deorphanisation remain unresolved.
What does a SMIM20 expression assay measure?
It measures expression of the precursor-associated gene or protein, not necessarily production of mature phoenixin-14. These materials are for research use only.
Is Phoenixin-14 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.