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Target intelligence / Profile preview
Motilin (MLN)
- Target
- MLN
- Molecular classification
- Hormone, Peptide hormone, Gastrointestinal hormone, Other (secreted factor)
01
Overview
Motilin is a 22-amino acid polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by endocrine Mo cells in the duodenum and jejunum. It is released cyclically during fasting and stimulates phase III contractions of the migrating motor complex (MMC), regulating GI motility and preparing the gut for feeding. Motilin also induces secretion of pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and gastric acid, and influences gallbladder and lower esophageal sphincter contractions. The primary receptor for motilin is the motilin receptor (MLN-R or GPR38), a G protein-coupled receptor located on smooth muscle cells and enteric neurons in the gastrointestinal tract. Motilin and its receptor have been investigated as therapeutic targets for disorders of gastrointestinal motility, but "motilin secretion" itself is not a molecular target; rather, it is the biological process of hormone release.
- Other names
- Motilin hormoneMLNMotilin peptide
02
Mechanism of action
Drugs act as agonists at the motilin receptor (a GPCR), stimulating GI motility by mimicking motilin effects
03
Biological functions
Stimulates gastrointestinal motility/migrating motor complexInduces gastric acid secretionInduces pepsin and pancreatic enzyme secretionTriggers muscle contractions in the GI tractRegulates appetite and insulin release
04
Disease associations
Functional dyspepsiaGastroparesisObesityGastrointestinal motility disordersType 1 diabetes mellitus (possible role via GI dysmotility)
05
Safety considerations
Tachyphylaxis (diminishing therapeutic response over time, as seen with some motilin mimetics like ABT-229)Off-target effects of erythromycin (antibiotic resistance, arrhythmia risk)
06
Interacting drugs
Erythromycin
3 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Plasma motilin levels (for GI motility disorders, potential for monitoring treatment response)
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