The mahogany mouse mutation: further links between pigmentation, obesity and the immune system.
Completely different lines of experimentation have identified attractin, a protein that seems to have multiple roles in regulating physiological processes. It affects the balance between agonist and antagonist at receptors on melanocytes, modifies behaviour and basal metabolic rate, and mediates an interaction between activated T cells and macrophages. It may well be a target for development of drugs to treat obesity.
Jackson
I J
IJ
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, UK EH4 2XU. ian.jackson@hgu.mrc.ac.uk
D054366:Agouti Signaling Protein; D000818:Animals; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000235:genetics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D016368:Frameshift Mutation; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006200:Hair Color / Q000235:genetics; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000235:genetics; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000235:genetics*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
D054366:Agouti Signaling Protein; D006023:Glycoproteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008543:Melanins; D011506:Proteins; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin; C029446:MSH receptor; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones