Alternative G protein coupling and biased agonism: New insights into melanocortin-4 receptor signalling

作者:Breit Andreas*; Buech Thomas R H; Boekhoff Ingrid; Solinski Hans Juergen; Damm Ellen; Gudermann Thomas
来源:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2011, 331(2): 232-240.
DOI:10.1016/j.mce.2010.07.007

摘要

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a considerable role in controlling appetite and energy homeostasis. Signalling initiated by MC4R is orchestrated by multiple agonists, inverse agonism and by interactions with accessory proteins. The exact molecular events translating MC4R signalling into its physiological role, however, are not fully understood. This review is an attempt to summarize new aspects of MC4R signalling in the context of its recently discovered alternative G protein coupling, and to give a perspective on how future research could improve our knowledge about the intertwining molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the regulation of energy homeostasis by the melanocortin system.

  • 出版日期2011-1-15