Endocrine Abstracts

K Kangawa, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan Abstract

Dr Kangawahas discovered novel bioactive peptides by establishing his original method for exploring trace amounts of peptides in order to elucidate the mechanisms of intercellular communication. In the course of these studies, he discovered and determined the chemical structures of three natriuretic peptides: ANP (1984), BNP (1988) and CNP (1990), in the mammalian heart and brain, and adrenomedullin (1993) in human pheochromocytoma. These studies elucidated new mechanisms of cardiovascular systems controlled by these peptides and also brought a molecular basis to clarify the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.

In 1999 Dr Kangawa discovered and determinedthe structure of anovel growth hormone- releasing peptide from rat stomach, named ghrelin. Ghrelin is a peptide with a marvellous structure modified by a fatty acid (n-octanoic acid), and besides its stimulatory activity of growth hormone release it is also involved in the stimulation of feeding and the regulation of energy metabolism. With regard to his ghrelin research, Dr Kangawawas evaluated in April 2002 as topping the list of scientists who have published the greatest numberof ‘hot papers’ during 2000–2001, according to the ISI citation index.

The series of studies conducted by Dr Kangawa and the discoveries of the novel peptide hormones have contributed not only to academia, but also to society, in developing novel therapies and diagnostic methods.