Anti-Human MC4R Polyclonal Antibody

Melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) is a ~36 kDa protein. G protein-coupled receptor that binds melanocyte-stimulating hormones (alpha- and beta-MSH) and corticotropin/ACTH, which are peptide products of the POMC precursor. Functions as a central component of the leptin-melanocortin pathway, which is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis. Upon activation, couples to G(s) protein, stimulating adenylate cyclase and the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway, which promotes anorexogenic signaling in the hypothalamus and contributes to a negative energy balance. Regulates food intake: activation by agonists suppresses appetite, whereas the antagonist Agouti-related protein/AGRP precludes agonist-induced signaling, thereby stimulating appetite. Modulates the firing activity of neurons in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus via alpha-MSH and AGRP regulation of inwardly rectifying potassium channel KCNJ13 closure, independently of G(s) signaling.