Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R)

The **Melanocortin 1 receptor** (MC1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily on the surface of melanocytes. It mediates the effects of melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), especially α-MSH, by activating adenylate cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP levels. This leads to enhanced melanin production—specifically promoting eumelanin over pheomelanin—and provides protection against UV-induced DNA damage. Variants in the MC1R gene are associated with differences in skin and hair color as well as susceptibility to melanoma. Several drugs targeting this pathway have been developed or approved for conditions involving pigmentation or photoprotection[2][4][5]. Note on correctness ("is_incorrect"): The query "Melanocyte activity" does not refer directly to a specific molecular target but rather describes a biological process. The canonical therapeutic target relevant here is the "Melanocortin 1 receptor" (MC1R). Therefore, "Melanocyte activity" is not itself a valid molecular target name; it should be mapped specifically to MC1R or another defined molecule involved in regulating this activity[2][5].

Other names

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptorMSH-RMSHRMelanocortin receptor 1MC1-R

Agonists stimulate cAMP signaling in melanocytes to increase eumelanin synthesis and photoprotection[2][5]