Detailed Explanation
Family of peptide hormones derived from the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) by enzymatic processing. The family includes ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, 39 aa), α-MSH (13 aa), β-MSH (18 aa), and γ-MSH (12 aa). They act through five melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R).
MC1R regulates skin and hair pigmentation. MC2R mediates ACTH-driven cortisol release from the adrenal glands. MC3R and MC4R regulate appetite and energy balance — MC4R mutations are the most common genetic cause of severe obesity.
MC5R regulates exocrine gland function. Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an MC4R agonist approved for rare genetic obesity syndromes.
Key Facts
- Family of peptide hormones derived from the precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) by enzymatic processing.
- The family includes ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, 39 aa), α-MSH (13 aa), β-MSH (18 aa), and γ-MSH (12 aa).
- They act through five melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R).
- MC1R regulates skin and hair pigmentation.
- MC2R mediates ACTH-driven cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
- MC3R and MC4R regulate appetite and energy balance — MC4R mutations are the most common genetic cause of severe obesity.
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