a chemical conjugate of neuropeptide Y and the ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin
targets cells expressing neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a neuropeptide colocalized and abundantly released with the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in nervous system, synthesized by postnatal olfactory epithelium of sustentacular cells. It promotes the proliferation of postnatal neuronal precursor cells and exhibits a diverse range of important physiologic activities, including effects on psychomotor activity, food intake, regulation of central endocrine secretion, and potent vasoactive effects on the cardiovascular system. Neuropeptide Y family of peptides signal through a family of G protein-coupled receptors present in the brain and sympathetic neurons. These NPY receptors recognize NPY and related peptides.

Elimination of Specific Cell Type

• Specifically eliminates cells expressing the NPY receptor.
• All other cells are left untouched.
• Not suitable for retrograde transport.