Mc3r - melanocortin 3 receptor

This gene encodes a member of the melanocortin receptor family. Melanocortin receptors are transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors, which respond to small peptide hormones and exhibit diverse functions and tissue type localization. As part of the central nervous melanocortin system, the encoded protein is competitively bound by either melanocyte stimulating hormone or agouti-related protein to regulate energy homeostasis and adaptation to food restriction. Disruption of this gene results in an increased ratio of weight gain to food intake, increased fat mass, and decreased lean mass, without having a large effect on insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2012]