This gene encodes an antagonist of the melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-4 receptor. It appears to regulate hypothalamic control of feeding behavior via melanocortin receptor and/or intracellular calcium regulation, and thus plays a role in weight homeostasis. Mutations in this gene have been associated with late on-set obesity. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2009]
Function:
Plays a role in weight homeostasis. Plays a role in the central control of feeding. Reduces food intake. Inhibits cAMP production mediated by stimulation of melanocortin receptors within the hypothalamus and adrenal gland. Acts primarily on MC3R and MC4R. Has very low activity with MC5R.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted. Golgi apparatus lumen.
Tissue Specificity:
Expressed primarily in the adrenal gland, subthalamic nucleus, and hypothalamus, with a lower level of expression occurring in testis, lung, and kidney.
DISEASE:
Genetic variations in AGRP may be a cause of obesity (OBESITY) [MIM:601665]. It is a condition characterized by an increase of body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, as the result of excessive accumulation of body fat.
Similarity:
Contains 1 agouti domain.
SWISS:
O00253
Gene ID:
181
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 181 Human
Omim: 602311 Human
SwissProt: O00253 Human
Unigene: 104633 Human
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