Melanocortins are known to exert a broad array of physiological actions including 'melanogenesis, steroidogenesis, sexual function and inflammation, as well as appetite regulation and energy homeostasis'.1 These actions are mediated (differentially or concurrently) in part by a family of G protein-coupled receptors, the melanocortin receptors 1-5 (MC1R-MC5R). Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was first cloned in 1993 with transcripts expressed primarily in the brain.2 Genetic studies of mice and humans have established a critical role of MC4R in appetite regulation.3 Heterozygous mutations in MC4R account for 1-6% of severe cases of human obesity. Thus, MC4R has been a prime target for therapeutic intervention in obesity.4 All known mammalian MC4Rs are 332 amino acids in length with an estimated molecular weight of 37 kDa. The protein is heavily glycosylated and appears at multiple positions on SDS-PAGE.5 Cayman’s MC4R Polyclonal Antibody mainly detects an unglycosylated protein at 37 kDa and a glycosylated protein at 55 kDa.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
