Pharmacological Evaluation of Melanocortin 2 Receptor Accessory Protein 2 on Axolotl Neural Melanocortin Signaling

The melanocortin system, involving receptors and accessory proteins, plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and energy balance. This study investigates this system in the axolotl, a salamander known for its regenerative abilities. Researchers cloned and analyzed genes related to melanocortin signaling in axolotls, finding similarities and differences compared to other species. They also examined how these genes are expressed in different tissues and how their expression changes during fasting. The study found that an accessory protein, MRAP2, affects the activity of melanocortin receptors in axolotls, influencing their function in regulating metabolism and energy homeostasis. This provides insights into the evolution and function of this important signaling pathway in a unique species.

• 1
  Axolotl MC3R and MC4R can be activated by a-MSH and ACTH. Axolotl MC3R exhibited a high constitutive activity, that was significantly decreased by MRAP2
• 2
  Axolotl MRAP2 significantly decreased the cell surface expression of MC4R in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect the trafficking of MC3R.
• 3
  The study confirmed the direct interaction and co-localization of both MC3R and MC4R with MRAP2 proteins on the plasma membrane through co-IP and BiFC assays.