Melanocortin 1 receptor

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Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R)

Melanocortin 1 receptor (pronounced: mel-uh-noh-kor-tin one ree-sep-ter), also known as MC1R, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MC1R gene. It is one of the key proteins involved in regulating mammalian skin and hair color.

Etymology

The term "Melanocortin" is derived from the Greek words "melas" meaning black, and "kortikos" meaning bark. The "1 receptor" part of the name refers to the fact that this is the first receptor in the melanocortin family to be discovered.

Function

MC1R is a G protein-coupled receptor that functions in the regulation of melanogenesis. The receptor is located on the surface of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.

Related Terms

  • Melanocyte: A type of cell located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye, the inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart. Melanocytes produce and store melanin.
  • Melanin: A broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms.
  • Melanogenesis: The process of melanin production by melanocytes in the skin.
  • G protein-coupled receptor: A large protein family of receptors that sense molecules outside the cell and activate cellular responses.

See Also

External links

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