Prokineticin is a secreted protein that potently contracts gastrointestinal smooth muscle.[2]
Recently, prokineticins have been recognized in humans and other vertebrates.[3] They are thought to be involved in several important physiological processes like neurogenesis, tissue development, angiogenesis, and nociception.[3][4] Other important physiological roles the Bv8/Prokineticins (PKs) are involved in may include cancer, reproduction, and regulating physiological functions that influence circadian rhythms like hormone secretion, ingestive behaviors, and the sleep/wake cycle.[5]
^Liu B, Qiao L, Liu K, Piccinni-Ash TJ, Chen ZF. Molecular and neural basis of pleasant touch sensation. Science 2022; 376(6592):483. doi:10.1126/science.abn2479
^Negri L, Lattanzi R, Giannini E, Melchiorri P (September 2007). "Bv8/Prokineticin proteins and their receptors". Life Sci. 81 (14): 1103–16. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2007.08.011. PMID17881008.