Melanin concentrating hormone receptors

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) receptors are activated by an endogenous cyclic peptide identical in humans and rats (melanin concentrating hormone, DFDMLRCMLGRVYRPCWQV), which is generated from a precursor which also produces neuropeptides EI and GE.  Two melanin concentrating hormone receptors have been characterised, MCH-R1 and MCH-R2. These two receptors share approximately 38% homology and while MCH-R1 is expressed in all mammals, MCH-R2 is only found in some primates and carnivores including dogs, ferrets and humans.  Melanin concentrating hormone has been reported to be involved in a variety of behaviours that include feeding, body weight regulation, anxiety, sleep, and reward.

Further reading

Eberle et al. (2010) Cellular models for the study of the pharmacology and signaling of melanin-concentrating hormone receptors. J. Recept. Signal Transduct. Res. 30 385 PMID:21083507

Chung S et al. (2011) Recent updates on the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and its receptor system: lessons from MCH1R antagonists. J. Mol. Neurosci. 43 115 PMID:20582487

Takase et al (2014) Meta-analysis of melanin-concentrating hormone signaling-deficient mice on behavioral and metabolic phenotypes. PLoS One 9(6) e99961 PMID: 24924345