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Abstract Nucleobindin-derived peptides, nesfatin-1 [NESF-1] and nesfatin-1-like-peptide [NLP] have diverse roles in endocrine and metabolic regulation. While both peptides showed a stimulatory effect on the synthesis of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) precursor in mouse corticotrophs, whether NESF-1 and NLP have any direct effect on glucocorticoid [GC] synthesis in the adrenal cortex remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if NESF-1 and/or NLP act directly on adrenal cortex cells to regulate cortisol synthesis in vitro. Whether NLP injection affects stress-hormone gene expression in the adrenal gland and pituitary in vivo in mice was also assessed. In addition, cortisol synthetic pathway in Nucb1 knockout mice was studied. Human adrenal cortical [H295R] cells showed immunoreactivity for both NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NESF-1. NLP and NESF-1 decreased the abundance of steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and cortisol synthesis and release through the AC/PKA/CREB pathway in H295R cells. Similarly, intraperitoneal injection of NLP in mice decreased the expression of enzymes involved in glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis in the adrenal gland while increasing the expression of Pomc, Pcsk1 and Crhr1 in the pituitary. Moreover, the melanocortin 2 receptor (Mc2r) mRNA level was enhanced in the adrenal gland samples of NLP injected mice. However, the global genetic disruption in Nucb1 did not affect most steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and Pomc, Pcsk2 and Crhr1 mRNAs in mice adrenal gland and pituitary gland, respectively. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for a direct inhibition of cortisol synthesis and secretion by NLP and NESF-1. NUCB peptides might still elicit a net stimulatory effect on GC synthesis and secretion through their positive effects on ACTH-MC2R pathway in the pituitary.

Nucleobindin-derived peptides, nesfatin-1 [NESF-1] and nesfatin-1-like-peptide [NLP] have diverse roles in endocrine and metabolic regulation. While both peptides showed a stimulatory effect on the synthesis of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) precursor in mouse corticotrophs, whether NESF-1 and NLP have any direct effect on glucocorticoid [GC] synthesis in the adrenal cortex remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if NESF-1 and/or NLP act directly on adrenal cortex cells to regulate cortisol synthesis in vitro. Whether NLP injection affects stress-hormone gene expression in the adrenal gland and pituitary in vivo in mice was also assessed. In addition, cortisol synthetic pathway in Nucb1 knockout mice was studied. Human adrenal cortical [H295R] cells showed immunoreactivity for both NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NESF-1. NLP and NESF-1 decreased the abundance of steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and cortisol synthesis and release through the AC/PKA/CREB pathway in H295R cells. Similarly, intraperitoneal injection of NLP in mice decreased the expression of enzymes involved in glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis in the adrenal gland while increasing the expression of Pomc, Pcsk1 and Crhr1 in the pituitary. Moreover, the melanocortin 2 receptor (Mc2r) mRNA level was enhanced in the adrenal gland samples of NLP injected mice. However, the global genetic disruption in Nucb1 did not affect most steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and Pomc, Pcsk2 and Crhr1 mRNAs in mice adrenal gland and pituitary gland, respectively. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for a direct inhibition of cortisol synthesis and secretion by NLP and NESF-1. NUCB peptides might still elicit a net stimulatory effect on GC synthesis and secretion through their positive effects on ACTH-MC2R pathway in the pituitary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingestion of food affects secretion of hormones from enteroendocrine cells located in the gastrointestinal mucosa. These hormones are involved in the regulation of various gastrointestinal functions including the control of food intake. One cell in the stomach, the X/A-like has received much attention over the past years due to the production of ghrelin. Until now, ghrelin is the only known orexigenic hormone that is peripherally produced and centrally acting to stimulate food intake. Subsequently, additional peptide products of this cell have been described including desacyl ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1. Desacyl ghrelin seems to be involved in the regulation of food intake as well and could play a counter-balancing role of ghrelin's orexigenic effect. In contrast, the initially proposed anorexigenic action of obestatin did not hold true and therefore the involvement of this peptide in the regulation of feeding is questionable. Lastly, the identification of nesfatin-1 in the same cell in different vesicles than ghrelin extended the function of this cell type to the inhibition of feeding. Therefore, this X/A-like cell could play a unique role by encompassing yin and yang properties to mediate not only hunger but also satiety.

We previously demonstrated that CALNUC, a Ca2+-binding protein with two EF-hands, is the major Ca2+-binding protein in the Golgi by 45Ca2+ overlay (Lin, P., H. Le-Niculescu, R. Hofmeister, J.M. McCaffery, M. Jin, H. Henneman, T. McQuistan, L. De Vries, and M. Farquhar. 1998. J. Cell Biol. 141:1515-1527). In this study we investigated CALNUC's properties and the Golgi Ca2+ storage pool in vivo. CALNUC was found to be a highly abundant Golgi protein (3.8 microg CALNUC/mg Golgi protein, 2.5 x 10(5) CALNUC molecules/NRK cell) and to have a single high affinity, low capacity Ca2+-binding site (Kd = 6.6 microM, binding capacity = 1.1 micromol Ca2+/micromol CALNUC). 45Ca2+ storage was increased by 2.5- and 3-fold, respectively, in HeLa cells transiently overexpressing CALNUC-GFP and in EcR-CHO cells stably overexpressing CALNUC. Deletion of the first EF-hand alpha helix from CALNUC completely abolished its Ca2+-binding capability. CALNUC was correctly targeted to the Golgi in transfected cells as it colocalized and cosedimented with the Golgi marker, alpha-mannosidase II (Man II). Approximately 70% of the 45Ca2+ taken up by HeLa and CHO cells overexpressing CALNUC was released by treatment with thapsigargin, a sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) (Ca2+ pump) blocker. Stimulation of transfected cells with the agonist ATP or IP3 alone (permeabilized cells) also resulted in a significant increase in Ca2+ release from Golgi stores. By immunofluorescence, the IP3 receptor type 1 (IP3R-1) was distributed over the endoplasmic reticulum and codistributed with CALNUC in the Golgi. These results provide direct evidence that CALNUC binds Ca2+ in vivo and together with SERCA and IP3R is involved in establishment of the agonist-mobilizable Golgi Ca2+ store.

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Nesfatin-1 is a newly discovered satiety molecule expressed mainly in the hypothalamic nuclei. It suppresses both short-term and long-term appetite. Six synthetic deoxyoligonucleotides overlapped by PCR encoding nesfatin-1 were cloned into a pET28a vector after the hexa-histidine-tagged multiple cloning sites sequence with an enterokinase recognition site incorporated in-between. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli strain Rosetta to express the fusion protein, which constituted 27% of the total cell proteins. After purified by Ni-sepharose affinity chromatography, the fusion protein was treated with enterokinase to release nesfatin-1. The nesfatin-1 sample was further purified with reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and its molecular weight was determined by mass spectrometry. The biological activities of recombinant nesfatin-1 were also assessed using in vivo animal models. The method described here promises to produce about 8 mg biologically active nesfatin-1 with homogeneity over 98% from 1-L shaking flask culture of E. coli, which can be considered as an easy and cost-effective way to synthesize nesfatin-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calnuc is a ubiquitous Ca2+-binding protein present on the trans-Golgi network ( TGN) and endosomes. However, the precise role of Calnuc in these organelles is poorly characterized. We previously highlighted the role of Calnuc in the transport of LRP9, a new member of a low-density lipoprotein ( LDL) receptor subfamily that cycles between the TGN and endosomes. The objective of this study was to explore the role of Calnuc in the endocytic sorting of mannose-6-phosphate receptor ( MPR) and Sortilin, two well-characterized lysosomal receptors that transit between the TGN and endosomes. Using biochemical and microscopy assays, we showed that Calnuc depletion [by small interfering RNA ( siRNA)] causes the misdelivery to and degradation in lysosomes of cationic-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor ( CI-MPR) and Sortilin due to a defect in the endosomal recruitment of retromers, which are key components of the endosome-to-Golgi retrieval machinery. Indeed, we demonstrated that Calnuc depletion impairs the activation and membrane association of Rab7, a small G protein required for the endosomal recruitment of retromers. Overall, our data indicate a novel role for Calnuc in the endosome-to- TGN retrograde transport of lysosomal receptors through the regulation of Rab7 activity and the recruitment of retromers to endosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesfatin-1 (82 amino acid) is an anorexigenic and insulinotropic peptide encoded in a secreted precursor, nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2). Nucleobindin-1 (NUCB1) is a protein with very high sequence similarity to NUCB2. We hypothesized that a nesfatin-1 like peptide (NLP) is encoded in NUCB1, and this peptide is biologically active. In silico analysis found a signal peptide cleavage site at position 25 (Arginine) and 26 (Valine) preceding the NLP region in NUCB1 sequence, and potential proprotein convertase cleavage sites at Lys-Arg (KR), forming a 77 amino acid NLP. RT-PCR studies found NUCB1 mRNA in both pancreas and MIN6 cells. NUCB1-like immunoreactivity was detected in mouse insulinoma (MIN6) cells, and pancreatic islet beta cells of mice. In order to determine the biological activity of NLP, MIN6 cells were incubated with synthetic rat NLP. NLP (10 nM and 100 nM) upregulated preproinsulin mRNA expression and insulin secretion at 1 h post-incubation. In identical experiments using MIN6 cells, a scrambled peptide based on the NLP sequence did not elicit any effects on preproinsulin mRNA expression or insulin secretion. From this result, it is clear that an intact NLP sequence is required for its biological activity. NLP appears as another endogenous insulinotropic peptide encoded in NUCB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesfatin-1 is a naturally occurring, 82-amino acid peptide processed from the precursor nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), a highly conserved protein among vertebrates. In fish, two isoforms of NUCB2 (NUCB2A and NUCB2B) exist, and nesfatin-1 has been identified in goldfish and Ya fish. We recently reported the presence and appetite suppressing effects of nesfatin-1 in goldfish. The main objectives of this study were to characterize NUCB2 in zebrafish, and determine whether NUCB2 mRNAs are affected by food availability. Tissue distribution of NUCB2A and NUCB2B mRNAs, and NUCB2/nesfatin-1-like immunoreactivity (ir) in the gut of zebrafish were also investigated. In zebrafish, nesfatin-1 region (1–82 amino acids) in NUCB2A is 78% identical to NUCB2B. Both NUCB2A and NUCB2 mRNAs were most abundant in the liver, while less expression was found in other tissues including the brain and gut. NUCB2/nesfatin-1-like immunoreactivity was detected in the mucosal layer cells of zebrafish anterior gastrointestinal tract. NUCB2A and NUCB2B mRNA expression were decreased in the brain of zebrafish 3 h after feeding, and after a 7-day food deprivation. Both NUCB2A and NUCB2B mRNAs in the gut were also decreased following 7 days of food deprivation, while NUCB2B mRNA was increased in the liver. Our results provide molecular and functional evidences to support potential anorectic and metabolic roles for endogenous nesfatin-1 in zebrafish. To our knowledge, this is the first report on NUCB2B characterization in vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nucleobindins, nucleobindin 1 (NUCB1) and nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), are homologous multidomain calcium and DNA binding proteins. NUCB1 is a well-characterized Golgi protein found within the rat pituitary, liver and kidney with functions related to immunity, calcium homeostasis and G protein signaling. NUCB2 is found both in the hypothalamus and brain stem centers, as well as peripherally in the digestive tract. Renewed interest in the nucleobindins has been sparked by the recent discovery of nesfatin-1, an endocrine factor post-translationally processed from the N-terminal of NUCB2. Nesfatin-1 has quickly established itself as a novel regulator of appetite, insulin secretion, energy homeostasis and reproduction with important consequences to the etiology of metabolic diseases including diabetes and obesity. The discovery of nesfatin-1 and it endocrine functions attracted more attention to the nucleobindins that are already known to have important intracellular functions. From the sequence information available, it is possible that nucelobindins itself or nesfatin-1 like peptides within the NUCB1 could also elicit nesfatin-1-like biological functions. The research on nesfatin-1 in last 5years further adds to the importance of nucleobindins as potential endocrine precursors. This review aims to summarize some of the most recent findings on the functional significance of NUCB1, NUCB2, as well as encoded proteins and highlights the questions that remain unanswered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nesfatin-1 is recently reported as a satiety molecule to suppress food intake via the melanocortin signaling in hypothalamus when injected centrally and peripherally. Here we report that nesfatin-1 is also anti-hyperglycemic. It was found that the intravenous injection of nesfatin-1 significantly reduced blood glucose in hyperglycemic db/db mice. This anti-hyperglycemic effect of nesfatin-1 was time-, dose-, insulin-dependent and peripheral. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calnuc is an ubiquitous Ca++-binding protein found in the cytoplasm where it binds different Gα subunits, in the Golgi lumen where it constitutes a major Ca++ storage pool, and outside the cell. We identified LDLR-related protein 9 (LRP9) as the first transmembrane protein shown to interact directly with Calnuc. LRP9 is a member of a new subfamily of the LDLR superfamily that cycles between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomes through a mechanism dependent on clathrin adaptor GGA proteins. The aim of the present study was to characterize the interaction between Calnuc and LRP9. Various biochemical assays showed that the N-terminus of Calnuc interacts with an arginine-rich region in the cytosolic tail of LRP9. Confocal microscopy showed that Calnuc colocalizes with LRP9 at the surface of the TGN and early endosomes. Depletion of Calnuc by small interfering RNA (siRNA) missorted LRP9 in the late endosome/lysosome compartments and enhanced its lysosomal degradation. This phenotype was rescued by the expression of siRNA-resistant wild-type Calnuc as well as cytoplasmic Calnuc, indicating that the cytoplasmic pool of Calnuc is involved in LRP9 endosomal sorting to prevent the delivery of LRP9 to lysosomes. This is the first report showing that Calnuc plays a role in receptor trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomineralization involves proteins and/or other macromolecules directly in controlling the mineral crystal nucleation/induction, growth, and maturation. To identify these proteins in bone, bovine bone EDTA/NaCl extract was passed through a hydroxyapatite column followed by washing with 0.5 M NaCl and the bound proteins were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. More than 30 proteins were identified. While as described previously, albumin, α2-HS glycoprotein, decorin, biglycan, osteoadherin, osteonectin, etc. were included, collagen α2 (I), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein, secreted phosphoprotein 24, chondroadherin, lumican, perlecan, thrombospondin 1, nucleobindin, etc. were for the first time shown to directly interact with calcium phosphate mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To identify early changes in protein expression associated with cisplatin ototoxicity, we used two dimensional-difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry to analyze proteins from P3 rat cochleae that were cultured for 3h with or without 1mM cisplatin. Replicate analysis of fluorescent images from six gels revealed significant (p <0.01) cisplatin-induced changes (greater than 1.5-fold) in expression of 22 cochlear proteins. These include increases in the expression of five proteins, four of which were identified as nucleobindin 1, a nuclear calcium signaling and homeostasis protein (2.1-fold), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C, an RNA processing protein (1.8-fold), a 55kDa protein that is either endothelial differentiation-related factor 1 or alpha-6 tubulin (1.7-fold), and calreticulin, a calcium binding chaperone of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER, 1.6-fold). The expression of 17 proteins was significantly (p <0.01) decreased by greater than 1.5-fold. These include ribonuclease/angiogenin inhibitor 1 (1.6-fold), RAS-like, family 12 (predicted), ras association (RalGDS/AF-6) domain family 5 (4.5-fold), homologous the RAS family of GTPase signaling proteins (2.4-fold), and Protein tyrosine phosphatase domain containing 1 (predicted, 6.1-fold). We identified seven cochlear proteins with either smaller (1.2–1.5-fold) or less significant (p <0.05) cisplatin-induced changes in expression. Notably, heat shock 70kDa protein 5 (Hspa5, Grp78, and BiP), an ER chaperone protein involved in stress response, decreased 1.7-fold. We observed changes consistent with phosphorylation in the level of isoforms of another ER stress-induced protein, glucose-regulated protein Grp58. Changes in cisplatin-induced protein expression are discussed with respect to known or hypothesized functions of the identified proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to examine whether antigens can be retrieved by heating Lowicryl sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed (PFF) tissues. Thus the intensity of the immunogold signal for two bone proteins (Nucleobindin (Nuc) and osteoadherin (OSAD)) was compared in retrieved and non-retrieved sections of PFF rat bone. As an additional experiment, the effect of antigen retrieval (for Nuc) in sections of tissue primary stabilized by high pressure freezing with subsequent freeze substitution (HPF-FS) was studied. Finally, the tissue distribution patterns of Nuc labeling were compared in non-retrieved HPF-FS sections to that of retrieved and non-retrieved PFF sections. Antigen retrieval in Lowicryl sections of PFF tissues showed significantly enhanced labeling intensity for both proteins in all compartments where they are known to occur. Retrieved PFF Lowicryl sections showed only minor ultrastructural differences compared to non-retrieved ones. Retrieval of HPF-FS sections exhibited no enhancement of labeling but rather a slight reduction, which was significant in the cytoplasm and in cartilage. Furthermore, striking ultrastructural differences were observed in retrieved HPF-FS sections compared to non-retrieved ones with loss of coherence and structure in sections subjected to heating. Comparison of the distribution patterns of Nuc in the sections of PFF and HPF-FS tissues showed discrepancy in most compartments. Antigen retrieval by heating Lowicryl sections of PFF tissues significantly enhances immunogold labeling in all cell compartments where the bone proteins are known to occur. However, the procedure may distort the tissue distribution pattern of bone proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nucleobindin (Nuc), also known as CALNUC, is a Ca2+-binding protein, located in the nucleus, the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The presence of a signal sequence in Nuc suggests secretion from the cell and it has been found in bone extracellular matrix. Within the present study, molecular biological and morphological methods were combined to evaluate the synthesis and distribution of Nuc in and around cells of rat metaphyseal and calvarial bone. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization of bone tissues confirmed that the protein was a product of bone cells. By electron microscopy, immunolabeling for Nuc was seen in osteoid of newly formed bone, on all surfaces facing the various bone cells and also in compact bone. Intracellularly, the gold particles were found in the rough ER of osteoblasts, which suggested synthesis of the protein by these cells. Compared to bone sialoprotein and osteopontin, Nuc demonstrated different localization pattern in bone trabeculae, with the majority of labeling restricted to nonmineralized osteoid. Moreover, the role of Nuc during the mineralization process was investigated in rat calvaria-derived primary osteoblasts grown under osteogenic conditions. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis showed Nuc expression to be low during cell proliferation, upregulated during differentiation and matrix maturation, but subsequently downregulated during mineralization. In summary, our data show that Nuc was synthesized by osteoblasts and osteocytes, and secreted into the osteoid, suggesting a role as a modulator of matrix maturation in the mineralization process in bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nucleobindin, a Ca2+-binding protein, has been previously identified within the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum, and in association with the Golgi membrane. In addition, nucleobindin has been shown to be a minor constituent of bone extracellular matrix and has been postulated to play a role in mineralization. In the current investigation, we report the expression and localization of nucleobindin within odontoblasts and the dentin matrix. Nucleobindin mRNA transcripts were detected in the tooth, and in situ hybridization analysis substantiated the findings, showing nucleobindin expression within mature odontoblasts and within the cells of surrounding developing alveolar bone. Western blot analysis of tooth protein extracts demonstrated the presence of a 63 kDa protein, which showed immunologic affinity for a rat nucleobindin peptide antibody. The distribution of the protein was shown in mature odontoblasts by using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, immunogold labeling of nucleobindin and subsequent ultrastructural analysis demonstrated a similar pattern of distribution. Nucleobindin was identified within odontoblast cellular compartments: the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Of interest, nucleobindin localization was observed within the surrounding dentin extracellular matrix, and immunogold labeling was shown to accumulate with tissue development toward the cusp. The study clearly demonstrated the presence of nucleobindin within dental tissues. In consideration of the known functional properties of nucleobindin, it may be postulated that nucleobindin may contribute to the accumulation and transport of Ca2+ ions to the mineralization front prior to hydroxyapatite deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleobindin (Nuc) was originally identified as a 55 kDa protein that enhanced anti-DNA antibody production in cultures of autoimmune MRL/lpr mouse spleen cells. cDNA cloning and the production of recombinant protein (rNuc) have revealed that rNuc binds to DNA and Ca2+ by means of leucine zipper and EF-hand motif structures. In vitro and in vivo effects of rNuc to induce autoantibodies including anti-dsDNA antibody in normal mice have been demonstrated; however, whether Nuc is involved in the state of autoimmunity occurred in MRL/ lpr, C3H/gld and male BXSB mice has not been elucidated. Here we report that the expression of Nuc mRNA is upregulated with age in the lymphatic organs and is positively correlated to the serum levels of Nuc in these lupus-prone strains of mice. Upon immunization with KLH in Freund's complete adjuvant, normal BALB/c mice also showed an elevated level of Nuc in their serum and elevated Nuc mRNA in their lymphatic organs. In addition, in vitro stimulation of BALB/c splenocytes with Con A or LPS remarkably enhanced Nuc mRNA expression. These results suggest that upregulation of Nuc mRNA in lymphatic organs and serum Nuc of lupus-prone mice is related to spontaneous activation of immunocompetent cells; the present data are also consistent with our previous hypothesis on the role of Nuc in the induction or enhancement of autoimmunity in lupus models of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An abstract of the article "Structural Aspects of Calcium-Binding Proteins and Their Interactions With Targets," by Peter B. Stathopulos and colleagues is presented.

Aim: To determine the expression levels of gastrointestinal nesfatin-1 in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH)-lesioned (obese) and ventrolateral hypothalamic nucleus (VLH)-lesioned (lean) rats that exhibit an imbalance in their energy metabolism and gastric mobility., Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a VMH-lesioned group, a VLH-lesioned group, and their respective sham-operated groups. The animals had free access to food and water, and their diets and weights were monitored after surgery. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining were used to analyse the levels of NUCB2 mRNA and nesfatin-1 immunoreactive (IR) cells in the stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and colon, respectively. Gastric emptying was also assessed using a modified phenol red-methylcellulose recovery method., Results: The VMH-lesioned rats fed normal chow exhibited markedly greater food intake and body weight gain, whereas the VLH-lesioned rats exhibited markedly lower food intake and body weight gain. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 IR cells were localised in the lower third and middle portion of the gastric mucosal gland and in the submucous layer of the enteric tract. Compared with their respective controls, gastric emptying was enhanced in the VMH-lesioned rats (85.94% ± 2.27%), whereas the VLH lesions exhibited inhibitory effects on gastric emptying (29.12% ± 1.62%). In the VMH-lesioned rats, the levels of NUCB2 mRNA and nesfatin-1 protein were significantly increased in the stomach and duodenum and reduced in the small intestine. In addition, the levels of NUCB2 mRNA and nesfatin-1 protein in the VLH-lesioned rats were decreased in the stomach, duodenum, and small intestine., Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that nesfatin-1 level in the stomach and duodenum is positively correlated with body mass. Additionally, there is a positive relationship between gastric emptying and body mass. The results of this study indicate that gastrointestinal nesfatin-1 may play a significant role in gastric mobility and energy homeostasis.