Melanocortin Receptor Type 3 (MC3R)

Melanocortin receptor type 3 (MC3R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a significant role in regulating energy homeostasis, appetite, growth, puberty timing, and circadian rhythms. It is one of five known melanocortin receptors. MC3R is expressed widely in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. Upon ligand binding (Alpha-, beta-, gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)), MC3R activates G proteins that stimulate adenylate cyclase activity leading to increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) production. Dysfunction in MC3R can lead to significant effects on body weight regulation, growth abnormalities, altered pubertal timing, and disrupted circadian rhythms. Specific small molecule agonists targeting MC3R are being explored as potential novel therapeutics for inflammatory conditions.

G protein activation, adenylate cyclase stimulation, cAMP production