Melanin-concentrating hormone signaling systems in fish.
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic neuropeptide synthesized as a preprohormone in the hypothalamus of all vertebrates. This neuropeptide binds to G-protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor(s) to mediate its function. MCH was named after its function in teleosts, in which it causes aggregation or concentration of melanin granules in melanophores, thus regulating body color. The function of central MCH that has attracted most attention is its involvement in regulating food intake and energy homeostasis in mammals, a role confirmed through a series of experiments, including central administration of MCH or MCH receptor blockers, and genetic manipulation of MCH and its receptors. The aim of this article is to review the recent data on MCH and MCH receptor signaling systems in fish.
Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, School of Fisheries Sciences, Kitasato University, Sanriku, Ofunato, Iwate 022-0101, Japan. hiroshi@kitasatp-u.ac.jp
Hiroshi
H
Kawauchi
Bridget I
BI
Baker
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005399:Fishes / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008543:Melanins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D015398:Signal Transduction
D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D008543:Melanins; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; C092274:melanin-concentrating hormone receptor; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone