Melanocortin receptors: emerging targets for the treatment of pigmentation, inflammation, stress, weight disorders and sexual dysfunction

Curr Drug Targets. 2022 Nov 8. doi: 10.2174/1389450124666221108143006. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMelanocortins are tiny protein molecules formed by the post-translational cleavage of proopiomelanocortin. These are bioactive peptides that are responsible for human and lower animal pigmentation patterns, energy homeostasis, and sexual function modulation. These peptides regulate numerous physiological functions by being generated in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Melanocortins elicit their varied biological effects by binding to a separate family of G protein, two primary proteolytic enzymes, proconvertases 1 and 2, according to the recent research. These breakthroughs have opened up new avenues for research into the role of melanocortins, antagonists, and receptors in a number of physiological activities.PMID:36366845 | DOI:10.2174/1389450124666221108143006
Source: Current Drug Targets - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research