title: Synaptic changes induced by melanocortin signalling.
abstract: The melanocortin system has a well-established role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, but there is growing evidence of its involvement in memory, nociception, mood disorders and addiction. In this Review, we focus on the role of the melanocortin 4 receptor and provide an integrative view of the molecular mechanisms that lead to melanocortin-induced changes in synaptic plasticity within these diverse physiological systems. We also highlight the importance of melanocortin peptides and receptors in chronic pain syndromes, memory impairments, depression and drug abuse, and the possibility of targeting them for therapeutic purposes.
authors.forename: Vanni
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Malin C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Lagerström
authors.forename: Pawel K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Olszewski
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fredriksson
authors.forename: Helgi B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Schiöth
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D053486:Melanocortins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4 / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D053486:Melanocortins; D044105:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; C555156:synaptic adhesion-like molecule 4, rat