MC4R

MC4R, Melanocortin 4 Receptor", alias Melanocortin 4 Receptor, Melanocortin Receptor 4, MC4-R, Mutant Melanocortin-4 Receptor, etc. It is a membrane-bound receptor and a member of the melanocortin family. It is a membrane-bound receptor, a member of the melanocortin receptor family, encoded by its own gene in human cells.MC4R is mainly expressed in the hypothalamus and is involved in the control of food intake, energy expenditure, and body weight maintenance, etc.The mechanism of action of MC4R is mainly through binding to endogenous ligands of melanocortin hormones such as alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which activates the enzyme adenylyl cyclase (ccT) by means of G protein coupling. The activation of MC4R also involves the processing of various metabolic signals, such as leptin, hunger hormone, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), to regulate energy metabolism and feeding behavior.

MC4R is biologically significant, not only involved in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation, but also closely related to the development and progression of various metabolic diseases. It is not only involved in energy balance and body weight regulation, but also closely related to the development of many metabolic diseases. For example, abnormal function or mutation of MC4R is associated with obesity, and MC4R agonists such as setmelanotide have been approved for the treatment of certain types of obesity. In addition, MC4R activation may affect mood, reward and cognitive function, with potential implications for mental health and behavior.