Purpose of review-Mammalian bombesin-related peptides, gastrin-releasing peptide(GRP) and neuromedin B(NMB) actions are mediated by two receptors (BB 1 -,BB 2 -receptor), which are closely related to the orphan receptor BRS-3(BB 3 -receptor).The purpose of this review is to highlight advances in the understanding of these peptides in physiology/disease states.Recent Findings-Pharmacologic/receptor-knockout studies showinvolvement of these receptors in a number of new processes/diseases. NMB/BB 1 -receptor is an important physiological regulator of pituitary-thyroid function; in mediating behavior, especially fear/anxiety; in mediating satiety through different cascades than GRP/BB 2 receptors and for its autocrine tumor-growth effects. GRP/ BB 2 -receptor plays important roles in: mediating signals for pruritus; lung development/injury; small intestinal mucosal defense and CNS processes such as learning/memory. The signaling mechanisms of its potent growth effects are being elucidate and possible therapeutic targets identified. BB 3 -receptor knockout mice provided insights for their obesity/glucose intolerance and demonstrate this receptor may be important in the lung response to injury, tumor growth and GI motility. Each receptor is frequently over-expressed in human tumors and have potent growth effects. This effect is being explored to develop new anti-tumor treatments, such as Bn-receptor ligands conjugated to cytotoxic agents.Summary-This receptor family are involved in an increasing number of CNS/peripheral processes physiologically and in disease states, and increased understanding of their role may lead to novel treatments, especially for pruritus, CNS disorders, lung diseases and tumor localization/treatment.