Melanocortins are ligands for a subgroup of GPCRs positively coupled to Adenylate cylcases, termed as melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R amd MC5R). These receptors are widely expressed at varied density throughout the body. The MC3R has been widely implicated in inflammation and is also implicated in a role in obesity and metabolism. MC3R KO mice exhibit reduced linear growth and lean mass and are hyperleptinemic and hyperinsulinemic.
