This gene is a member of the natriuretic peptide family and encodes a secreted protein which functions as a cardiac hormone. The protein undergoes two cleavage events, one within the cell and a second after secretion into the blood. The protein's biological actions include natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion, and a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. A high concentration of this protein in the bloodstream is indicative of heart failure. Mutations in this gene have been associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Møller, Kirkeby, Vikeså, Nielsen, Cayé-Thomasen: "The human endolymphatic sac expresses natriuretic peptides." in: The Laryngoscope, Vol. 127, Issue 6, pp. E201-E208, (2017) (PubMed).
Lawrenson, Grun, Lee, Mhawech-Fauceglia, Kan, Swenson, Lin, Pejovic, Millstein, Gayther: "NPPB is a novel candidate biomarker expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts in epithelial ovarian cancer." in: International journal of cancer, Vol. 136, Issue 6, pp. 1390-401, (2015) (PubMed).
Clerico, Carlo Zucchelli, Pilo, Passino, Emdin: "Clinical relevance of biological variation: the lesson of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP assay." in: Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine : CCLM / FESCC, Vol. 44, Issue 4, pp. 366-78, (2006) (PubMed).