Peripheral actions and direct central-local communications of melanocortin 4 receptor signaling

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), the most important monogenetic cause of human metabolic disorders, has been of great interest to many researchers in the field of energy homeostasis and public health. Because MC4R is a vital pharmaceutical target for maintaining controllable appetite and body weight for professional athletes, previous studies have mainly focused on the central, rather than the peripheral, roles of MC4R. Thus, the local expression of MC4R and its behavioral regulation remain unclear. In an attempt to shed light on different directions for future studies of MC4R signaling, we review a series of recent and important studies exploring the peripheral functions of MC4R and the direct physiological interaction between peripheral organs and central MC4R neurons in this article.

Automated summary

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is the most important single-gene cause of human metabolic disorders and has gained significant interest in the research of energy homeostasis and public health. Previous studies primarily focused on the central roles of MC4R, leaving the local expression and behavioral regulation unclear. This article reviews recent studies on the peripheral functions of MC4R and the direct physiological interaction between peripheral organs and central MC4R neurons, aiming to provide new directions for future research on MC4R signaling.