Melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) (MC2R)

The Melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), also known as the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor, is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a fundamental role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [13, 17]. It is primarily expressed in the adrenal cortex, where it serves as the specific target for ACTH, a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary [1, 2]. Activation of MC2R by ACTH stimulates the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which are essential for the body's response to stress, metabolism, and immune regulation [2, 4]. Unlike other melanocortin receptors, MC2R is highly specific for ACTH and requires the accessory protein MRAP (Melanocortin 2 Receptor Accessory Protein) for its proper trafficking and function [13, 17]. Dysregulation of this receptor system is implicated in several endocrine disorders; for instance, overstimulation leads to Cushing's syndrome, while mutations causing loss of function result in familial glucocorticoid deficiency [14, 15]. In clinical practice, ACTH and its synthetic analogs (e.g., cosyntropin) are used as diagnostic tools to assess adrenal function and as therapeutic agents for conditions like infantile spasms and multiple sclerosis exacerbations [3, 8, 9].

Other names

Adrenocorticotropic hormone receptorACTH receptorCorticotropin receptorMC2RAdrenocorticotropin receptor

Agonist of the Melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol.