Tachykinin-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TAC3 gene. This gene encodes a member of the tachykinin family of secreted neuropeptides. The encoded protein is primarily expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and functions as a neurotransmitter. This protein is the ligand for the neurokinin-3 receptor. This protein is also expressed in the outer syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta and may be associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Mutations in this gene are associated with normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq].
Tachykinins are active peptides which excite neurons, evoke behavioral responses, are potent vasodilators and secretagogues, and contract (directly or indirectly) many smooth muscles (By similarity).