title: Roles of acetylation and other post-translational modifications in melanocortin function and interactions with endorphins.
abstract: Phylogenetic, developmental, anatomic, and stimulus-specific variations in post-translational processing of POMC are well established. For melanocortins, the role of alpha-N-acetylation and the selective activities of alpha, beta, and gamma forms are of special interest. Acetylation may shift the predominant activity of POMC products between endorphinergic and melanocortinergic actions-which are often in opposition. This review addresses: (1) variations in POMC processing; (2) the influence of acetylation on the functional activity of alpha-MSH; (3) state- and stimulus-dependent effects on the proportional distribution of forms of melanocortins and endorphins; (4) divergent effects of alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin administration; (5) potential roles of beta- and gamma-MSH.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. wilkinso@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000107:Acetylation; D000818:Animals; D004723:Endorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D051381:Rats; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000521:alpha-MSH; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin