Cited by 615Regulation of Appetite and ObesityNeuropeptides and Animal PhysiologyHypothalamic control of reproductive hormones

Studies on the Physiological Functions of the Melanocortin System

Cone, Roger D.·2006·Endocrine Reviews

Abstract

The melanocortin system refers to a set of hormonal, neuropeptidergic, and paracrine signaling pathways that are defined by components that include the five G protein-coupled melanocortin receptors; peptide agonists derived from the proopiomelanocortin preprohormone precursor; and the endogenous antagonists, agouti and agouti-related protein. This signaling system regulates a remarkably diverse array of physiological functions including pigmentation, adrenocortical steroidogenesis, energy homeostasis, natriuresis, erectile responses, energy homeostasis, and exocrine gland secretion. There are many complex and unique aspects of melanocortin signaling, such as the existence of endogenous antagonists, the agouti proteins, that act at three of the five melanocortin receptors. However, there is an aspect of melanocortin signaling that has facilitated highly reductionist approaches aimed at understanding the physiological functions of each receptor and peptide: in contrast to many peptides, the melanocortin agonists and antagonists are expressed in a limited number of very discrete locations. Similarly, the melanocortin receptors are also expressed in a limited number of discrete locations where they tend to be involved in rather circumscribed physiological functions. This review examines my laboratory's participation in the cloning of the melanocortin receptors and characterization of their physiological roles.

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Crossref · 10.1210/er.2006-0034

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  • Hyperphagia and increased adiposity lead to stimulation of POMC neurons and MC4R signalling, whereas energy deficits and weight loss reduce signalling in this pathway.

    “Hyperphagia and increased adiposity lead to stimulation of POMC neurons and MC4R signalling, whereas energy deficits and weight loss reduce signalling in this pathway191,192.”
  • The POMC-MC4R system is a major regulator of energy balance.

    “The POMC-MC4R system is a major regulator of energy balance.”
  • MC4R is a transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor found in greatest abundance in central nervous system neuronal populations important for autonomic regulation, including the nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, paraventricular nucleus, lateral hypothalamus and preganglionic sympathetic neurons of the intermediolateral cell column.

    “MC4R is a transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor that is found in greatest abundance in CNS neuronal populations that are important for autonomic regulation, including the NTS, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, PVN, lateral hypothalamus and preganglionic sympathetic neurons of the IML192,207 (FIG. 5a).”
  • MC4R agonists reduce food intake.

    “The actions of MC4R agonists to reduce food intake, increase energy expenditure, and improve glucose regulation [34] make this class of drugs attractive as therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes.”

    From Role of the brain melanocortins in blood pressure regulation (2017) · cites this paper as [34]

  • MC4R agonists improve glucose regulation.

    “The actions of MC4R agonists to reduce food intake, increase energy expenditure, and improve glucose regulation [34] make this class of drugs attractive as therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes.”

    From Role of the brain melanocortins in blood pressure regulation (2017) · cites this paper as [34]

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Authors
Cone, R. D.
Affiliations
Oregon Health & Science University (US)
Corresponding author
Cone, Roger D.
Venue
Endocrine Reviews
Published
2006-10-31
Volume
27
Issue
7
Pages
736-749
ISSN
  • 0163-769X (ISSN-L)
  • 1945-7189
OpenAlex
W2077889744
Cited by
615
References
145
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 28 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 51 · 2021: 30 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 34 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 29 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 46 · 2012: 31
FWCI
1.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Endocrine Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
Keywords
melanocortin system, melanocortin receptors, proopiomelanocortin, agouti protein, agouti-related protein, G protein-coupled receptors, receptor cloning, pigmentation, adrenal steroidogenesis, energy homeostasis, sodium excretion, erectile response, exocrine gland secretion, neuropeptides
MeSH terms
Alleles, Animals, Cachexia, Humans, Signal Transduction, Receptors, Corticotropin, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Receptors, Melanocortin, Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3, Melanocortins, Agouti Signaling Protein, Agouti-Related Protein

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