Regulation of thermogenesis by the central melanocortin system.
Adaptive thermogenesis represents one of the important homeostatic mechanisms by which the body maintains appropriate levels of stored energy and its core temperature. Dysregulation of adaptive thermogenesis promotes obesity. The central melanocortin system, in particular the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling pathway, influences the regulation of every aspect of energy balance, including thermogenesis, and plays a critical role in energy homeostasis in both rodent and man. This review will outline our current understanding of adaptive thermogenesis, focusing on the role of the central melanocortin pathway in the regulation of thermogenesis.
Fan
Wei
W
Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code L474, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. fanw@ohsu.edu
Voss-Andreae
Adriana
A
Cao
Wei-Hua
WH
Morrison
Shaun F
SF
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D053486:Melanocortins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*
D053486:Melanocortins