NCBI Summary:
This gene encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor for melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone that is expressed in tissues other than the adrenal cortex and melanocytes. This gene maps to the same region as the locus for benign neonatal epilepsy. Mice deficient for this gene have increased fat mass despite decreased food intake, suggesting a role for this gene product in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Mutations in this gene are associated with a susceptibility to obesity in humans. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
General function
Receptor
Comment
Cellular localization
Plasma membrane
Comment
candidate123
Ovarian function
Steroid metabolism
Comment
Expression regulated by
Comment
Ovarian localization
Granulosa, Luteal cells
Comment
Expression of melanocortin receptors mRNA, and direct effects of ACTH on steroid secretion in the bovine ovary. Amweg AN et al. Melanocortin receptors (MCRs) are involved in physiological responses to ACTH, as well as to a-, - and ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-, - and ?-MSH). Their expression has previously been analyzed in various bovine tissues; however, there are apparently no reports regarding their localization in the ovaries. In the present study, the expression of MCR mRNA in various bovine ovarian structures was characterized with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, whether ACTH affected follicular components by affecting steroid secretion in fragments of ovarian follicular wall of medium and large antral follicles cultured in serum free medium with 1, 10, and 100 nM ACTH, was also determined. Melanocortin receptors mRNA was localized in the theca cells of various follicular stages, whereas only MC3R mRNA was weakly evident in granulosa cells. Melanocortin receptors 1, 2, and 3 mRNA were present in the CL, whereas in stroma, only MC2R mRNA was expressed. There were significant increases in estradiol and cortisol concentrations in response to ACTH in medium follicles, as well as increased concentrations of testosterone and cortisol in large follicles. These results confirmed earlier reports in other species, and demonstrated that MCRs were present in bovine ovaries. Since ACTH induced steroid secretion from the ovary in vitro, we inferred that melanocortin peptides could be involved in regulatory mechanisms related to ovarian functions, e.g. ovulation, steroidogenesis, and luteal function.
Follicle stages
Corpus luteum
Comment
Phenotypes
PCO (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Mutations
1 mutations
Species: human
Mutation name: type: naturally occurring fertility: subfertile Comment: Melanocortin 3 receptor gene polymorphism is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in Turkish population. Hepsen S et al. (2019) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent complex disorder with an ill-defined etiology. Genetic factors seem rather effective at the occurrence of the disease, however, the evidence of established various studies results are unsatisfied. We aimed to make a contribution to the genetic baseline of the disease by investigating melanocortin 3 receptor gene polymorphism in affected patients. 101 PCOS patients and 162 age-matched healthy volunteered control subjects recruited to the study. PCOS patients classified according to their BMI class and insulin resistance situation. Anthropometric measurements, physical examination results, laboratory findings, and hormone levels were recorded for each participant and analysis of two SNPs on the MC3R gene; rs3746619 and rs3827103 were performed. Although no significant difference was observed in rs3827103 polymorphism between PCOS patients and controls; rs3746619 polymorphism was determined associated with PCOS in the heritage of dominant (AA + AC) and co-dominant (AA) genotypes. Two polymorphisms did not found related to obesity and insulin resistance in PCOS subgroups analysis. MC3R gene rs 3746619 polymorphism was found associated with PCOS in the Turkish population and may make a contribution to the genetic baseline of the disease.//////////////////