The Cloning of a Family of Genes That Encode the Melanocortin Receptors

TLDR

Melanocyte‑stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone regulate pigmentation, adrenal cortical function, and various other biological activities in the brain, pituitary, and immune system. The study aims to isolate and characterize the receptors mediating MSH and ACTH activity. Researchers cloned the murine and human MSH receptors and a human ACTH receptor. The cloned receptors belong to a subfamily of G‑protein‑coupled receptors that may also encompass the cannabinoid receptor.

Abstract

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulate pigmentation and adrenal cortical function, respectively. These peptides also have a variety of biological activities in other areas, including the brain, the pituitary, and the immune system. A complete understanding of the biological activities of these hormones requires the isolation and characterization of their corresponding receptors. The murine and human MSH receptors (MSH-Rs) and a human ACTH receptor (ACTH-R) were cloned. These receptors define a subfamily of receptors coupled to guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that may include the cannabinoid receptor.