The cloning of a family of genes that encode the melanocortin receptors

Science. 1992 Aug 28;257(5074):1248-51. doi: 10.1126/science.1325670.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex / metabolism
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / physiology
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Corticotropin
  • Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / genetics*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Corticotropin
  • Receptors, Pituitary Hormone
  • MSH receptor
  • Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones
  • GTP-Binding Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X65633
  • GENBANK/X65634
  • GENBANK/X65635