Details for: NMU

Gene ID: 10874

Gene Type:  Protein-coding  - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: NMU

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000109255

Description: neuromedin U

Cell Significance Landscape

Associated with

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • keratinocyte CL0000312
    CSI 4.05
    rCSI 3.39%
    PRS 96.93
  • neural crest cell CL0011012
    CSI 3.77
    rCSI 2.98%
    PRS 95.96
  • choroid plexus epithelial cell CL0000706
    CSI 3.52
    rCSI 5.77%
    PRS 95.32
  • multi-ciliated epithelial cell CL0005012
    CSI 3.41
    rCSI 3.4%
    PRS 95.2
  • neuroblast (sensu Nematoda and Protostomia) CL0000338
    CSI 3.23
    rCSI 3.73%
    PRS 94.52
  • respiratory basal cell CL0002633
    CSI 2.98
    rCSI 3.08%
    PRS 98.14
  • intestinal tuft cell CL0019032
    CSI 2.67
    rCSI 4.08%
    PRS 97.6
  • pvalb GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023018
    CSI 2.54
    rCSI 3.16%
    PRS 91.9
  • fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell CL4030006
    CSI 2.53
    rCSI 2.43%
    PRS 97.1
  • epithelial cell CL0000066
    CSI 2.41
    rCSI 3.71%
    PRS 91.15
  • sst GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023017
    CSI 2.39
    rCSI 3.09%
    PRS 93.74
  • glandular epithelial cell CL0000150
    CSI 2.38
    rCSI 6.26%
    PRS 99.38
  • foveolar cell of stomach CL0002179
    CSI 2.25
    rCSI 4.78%
    PRS 97.94
  • squamous epithelial cell CL0000076
    CSI 2.03
    rCSI 4.82%
    PRS 94.82
  • basal cell CL0000646
    CSI 1.75
    rCSI 2.34%
    PRS 96.46
  • erythroid progenitor cell CL0000038
    CSI 1.42
    rCSI 8.17%
    PRS 98.21
  • epithelial cell of esophagus CL0002252
    CSI 1.3
    rCSI 12.85%
    PRS 95.11
  • neural progenitor cell CL0011020
    CSI 1.27
    rCSI 5.58%
    PRS 91.68

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

Comma-separated if multiple.
Comma-separated if multiple.
Legend:
  • Query Gene
  • Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
    • Very High
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Very Low
    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary Neuromedin U, encoded by the [NMU](/details-gene/10874) gene, is a secreted neuropeptide that functions as a ligand for G protein-coupled receptors. It plays a pleiotropic role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including [energy homeostasis](/details-go/GO:0097009), [feeding behavior](/details-go/GO:0060259), smooth muscle contraction, and synaptic transmission. Expression data from the **Overall** context reveals that [NMU](/details-gene/10874) is a significant marker in diverse cell populations, showing high significance in various epithelial lineages such as [keratinocytes](/details-cell/CL0000312) and [choroid plexus epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000706), as well as in specific neuronal subtypes and their progenitors, including [neural crest cells](/details-cell/CL0011012). This broad expression pattern suggests a key role for [NMU](/details-gene/10874) in neuro-epithelial communication and homeostatic regulation across multiple organ systems. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) indicates a prominent role at the interface between the nervous system and epithelial tissues. **Overall**, the gene shows the highest significance in [keratinocytes](/details-cell/CL0000312) (CSI: 4.05), underscoring its potential involvement in skin biology. Its significance extends to a wide array of specialized epithelial cells that form critical barriers or secretory surfaces, including [choroid plexus epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000706) of the brain, [multi-ciliated epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL0005012), [respiratory basal cells](/details-cell/CL0002633), and [fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells](/details-cell/CL4030006). Notably, [NMU](/details-gene/10874) is also highly significant in specialized chemosensory cells like [intestinal tuft cells](/details-cell/CL0019032) and secretory cells of the gastrointestinal tract, such as [foveolar cells of the stomach](/details-cell/CL0002179). This observation is consistent with early research identifying its expression in the human gastrointestinal tract ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0140157)). In parallel, [NMU](/details-gene/10874) is a marker for neural progenitors, including [neural crest cells](/details-cell/CL0011012) and [neuroblasts](/details-cell/CL0000338), as well as mature neuronal subtypes like [pvalb GABAergic cortical interneurons](/details-cell/CL4023018) and [sst GABAergic cortical interneurons](/details-cell/CL4023017). This dual expression pattern in both epithelial and neural contexts suggests that [NMU](/details-gene/10874) may function as a critical signaling molecule mediating crosstalk between these two fundamental tissue types. ## Pathways and Molecular Function Functionally, [NMU](/details-gene/10874) is an extracellular peptide ([GO:0005576](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0005576)) that initiates intracellular signaling by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors. Its primary molecular functions are defined by [Neuromedin u receptor binding](/details-go/GO:0042922), with specific binding to both [Type 1](/details-go/GO:0031839) and [Type 2](/details-go/GO:0031840) receptors. This interaction triggers downstream signaling cascades, as annotated by Reactome pathways such as [Signaling by gpcr](/details-reactome/R-HSA-372790), involving both [G alpha (i) signalling events](/details-reactome/R-HSA-418594) and [G alpha (q) signalling events](/details-reactome/R-HSA-416476). The biological processes associated with [NMU](/details-gene/10874) signaling are diverse and reflect its broad expression. Its role as a neuropeptide ([GO:0007218](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0007218)) is central to its function in regulating systemic processes like [energy homeostasis](/details-go/GO:0097009), [temperature homeostasis](/details-go/GO:0001659), and [feeding behavior](/details-go/GO:0060259). Furthermore, its involvement in the [positive regulation of smooth muscle contraction](/details-go/GO:0045987) aligns with its well-documented effects on the gastrointestinal tract, while its role in the [positive regulation of synaptic transmission](/details-go/GO:0050806) is consistent with its expression in cortical interneurons and presence in synaptic structures like the [terminal bouton](/details-go/GO:0043195). ## Research Directions The widespread expression of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) in both neuronal and diverse epithelial cell types presents several compelling avenues for future research, particularly concerning its role in orchestrating local and systemic physiological responses. **Proposed Hypotheses:** 1. Given its high significance in multiple epithelial barrier tissues ([keratinocytes](/details-cell/CL0000312), [respiratory basal cells](/details-cell/CL0002633)) and in sensory [intestinal tuft cells](/details-cell/CL0019032), [NMU](/details-gene/10874) may function as a key mediator of innate immunity and tissue homeostasis. It could be released in response to pathogens or tissue damage, acting as an "alarmin" to modulate local inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and epithelial repair processes. 2. The co-expression of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) in central nervous system cells ([choroid plexus epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000706), GABAergic interneurons) and its established role in regulating systemic energy balance suggest it could be a critical link between central metabolic sensing and peripheral organ function. It may act to translate neural signals related to metabolic state into hormonal or physiological responses in tissues like the gut and skin. **Experimental Approach:** To test the first hypothesis regarding the role of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) in epithelial barrier defense, a robust experimental model could be employed. One could establish an air-liquid interface (ALI) culture of primary human [respiratory basal cells](/details-cell/CL0002633), which differentiate into a pseudostratified epithelium. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out [NMU](/details-gene/10874) in these cells, one could then challenge the cultures with an inflammatory stimulus such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a viral mimic like poly(I:C). The impact of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) loss could be assessed by measuring changes in barrier integrity via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and quantifying the secretion of key inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, IL-33) using ELISA or multiplex assays. This would directly test whether [NMU](/details-gene/10874) is necessary for mounting an effective innate immune response at a mucosal surface. **Therapeutic Potential:** As a secreted peptide that signals through GPCRs, [NMU](/details-gene/10874) and its receptors (NMUR1 and NMUR2) are highly druggable targets. Depending on the pathology, therapeutic strategies could involve either agonism or antagonism. For metabolic diseases such as obesity, a stable NMU receptor agonist could leverage the peptide's known effects on appetite suppression and energy expenditure. Conversely, in chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions like asthma or inflammatory bowel disease, where [NMU](/details-gene/10874) might be pathologically elevated, a receptor antagonist could offer a novel anti-inflammatory strategy. The widespread expression of [NMU](/details-gene/10874) may pose a challenge for systemic therapies, but the more restricted expression patterns of its receptors could provide tissue-specific targets, or local delivery (e.g., inhalation for respiratory diseases) could minimize off-target effects.

Genular Protein ID: 1362164359

Symbol: NMU_HUMAN

Name: Neuromedin-U

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

P48645

Database IDs:

AGR 1 AlphaFoldDB 1 Antibodypedia 1 Bgee 1 BioGRID 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 BioMuta 1 CCDS 1 CTD 1 ChiTaRS 1 DMDM 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 EMBL 2 EMDB 3 Ensembl 1 ExpressionAtlas 1 GO 14 GeneCards 1 GeneTree 1 GenomeRNAi 1 GlyGen 1 HGNC 1 HOGENOM 1 HPA 1 InParanoid 1 IntAct 1 InterPro 3 KEGG 1 MANE-Select 1 MIM 1 MassIVE 1 NCBI Taxonomy 1 OMA 1 OpenTargets 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PDB 3 PDBsum 3 PIR 1 PRO 1 PROSITE 1 PathwayCommons 1 PaxDb 1 PeptideAtlas 1 Pfam 1 PharmGKB 1 Pharos 1 PhosphoSitePlus 1 PhylomeDB 1 Proteomes 1 ProteomicsDB 1 Pumba 1 RNAct 1 Reactome 3 RefSeq 3 SMART 1 SMR 1 STRING 1 SignaLink 1 TreeFam 1 UCSC 1 VEuPathDB 1 eggNOG 1 iPTMnet 1 jPOST 1 neXtProt 1

Citations:

PubMed ID: 7619205

Title: Cloning and characterization of the cDNA encoding the human neuromedin U (NmU) precursor: NmU expression in the human gastrointestinal tract.

PubMed ID: 7619205

DOI: 10.1677/jme.0.0140157

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 174
  • Mass: 19741
  • Checksum: 8ABD8138769FA815
  • Sequence:
    • MLRTESCRPR SPAGQVAAAS PLLLLLLLLA WCAGACRGAP ILPQGLQPEQ QLQLWNEIDD 
TCSSFLSIDS QPQASNALEE LCFMIMGMLP KPQEQDEKDN TKRFLFHYSK TQKLGKSNVV 
SSVVHPLLQL VPHLHERRMK RFRVDEEFQS PFASQSRGYF LFRPRNGRRS AGFI

Genular Protein ID: 191053386

Symbol: E9PDJ7_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

E9PDJ7

Database IDs:

ARBA 2 AlphaFoldDB 1 Antibodypedia 1 Bgee 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 CTD 1 ChiTaRS 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 EMBL 1 Ensembl 2 ExpressionAtlas 1 GO 3 GeneTree 1 HGNC 1 InterPro 3 MassIVE 1 NCBI Taxonomy 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PROSITE 1 PeptideAtlas 2 Pfam 1 Proteomes 2 RefSeq 1 SAM 1 SMART 2 UCSC 1 VEuPathDB 1

Citations:

PubMed ID: 11237011

Title: Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 11237011

DOI: 10.1038/35057062

PubMed ID: 15496913

Title: Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 15496913

DOI: 10.1038/nature03001

PubMed ID: 15815621

Title: Generation and annotation of the DNA sequences of human chromosomes 2 and 4.

PubMed ID: 15815621

DOI: 10.1038/nature03466

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 149
  • Mass: 16708
  • Checksum: C697FD4AADF1F1B5
  • Sequence:
    • MLRTESCRPR SPAGQVAAAS PLLLLLLLLA WCAGACRGAP ILPQGLQPEQ QLQLWNEIDD 
TCSSFLSIDS QPQASNALEE LCFMIMGMLP KPQEQDEKDN TKRFLFHYSK TQKLGKSNVV 
EEFQSPFASQ SRGYFLFRPR NGRRSAGFI

Genular Protein ID: 1291256801

Symbol: A0A0B4J202_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

A0A0B4J202

Database IDs:

ARBA 2 AlphaFoldDB 1 Antibodypedia 1 Bgee 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 CTD 1 ChiTaRS 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 EMBL 1 Ensembl 2 ExpressionAtlas 1 GO 3 GeneTree 1 HGNC 1 InterPro 3 MassIVE 1 NCBI Taxonomy 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PROSITE 1 PeptideAtlas 2 Pfam 1 Proteomes 2 ProteomicsDB 1 RefSeq 1 SAM 1 SMART 2 VEuPathDB 1

Citations:

PubMed ID: 11237011

Title: Initial sequencing and analysis of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 11237011

DOI: 10.1038/35057062

PubMed ID: 15496913

Title: Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome.

PubMed ID: 15496913

DOI: 10.1038/nature03001

PubMed ID: 15815621

Title: Generation and annotation of the DNA sequences of human chromosomes 2 and 4.

PubMed ID: 15815621

DOI: 10.1038/nature03466

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 158
  • Mass: 18003
  • Checksum: 7ADE02A74AD44CB3
  • Sequence:
    • MLRTESCRPR SPAGQVAAAS PLLLLLLLLA WCAGACRGAP ILPQGLQPEQ QLQLWNEASN 
ALEELCFMIM GMLPKPQEQD EKDNTKRFLF HYSKTQKLGK SNVVSSVVHP LLQLVPHLHE 
RRMKRFRVDE EFQSPFASQS RGYFLFRPRN GRRSAGFI

Genular Protein ID: 2610941492

Symbol: Q86WB6_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Q86WB6

Database IDs:

ARBA 2 AlphaFoldDB 1 BioGRID-ORCS 1 CTD 1 ChiTaRS 1 DNASU 1 DisGeNET 1 EMBL 2 GO 6 InterPro 3 NCBI Taxonomy 1 OrthoDB 1 PANTHER 2 PROSITE 1 PeptideAtlas 1 Pfam 1 RefSeq 1 SMART 2

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 109
  • Mass: 12565
  • Checksum: E5D7FF17B24EE606
  • Sequence:
    • SILPQGLQPE QQLQLWNEID DTCSSFLSID SQPQASNALE ELCFMIMGML PKPQEQDEKD 
NTKRFLFHYS KTQKLGKSNV VEEFQSPFAS QSRGYFLFRP RNGRRSAGF