Brain-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is a nonglycosylated peptide that is produced predominantly by ventricular myocytes and belongs to the natriuretic peptide family. Proteolytic cleavage of the 12 kDa BNP precursor gives rise to N-terminal Pro‑BNP (NT-proBNP) and mature BNP. Plasma NT-proBNP is a marker for congestive heart failure, while mature BNP (aa 103‑134) promotes vasodilation and fluid and sodium excretion. Human BNP precursor shares 29% and 51% aa sequence identity with mouse and porcine BNP precursor, respectively.