Anti-MC1-R antibody

Supplementary info

Activity summary

The MC1-R also known as the melanocortin 1 receptor is a protein that plays an important role in the regulation of skin and hair pigmentation. It is a G-protein-coupled receptor with a molecular mass of approximately 37 kDa. The receptor is expressed mainly in melanocytes the cells responsible for producing melanin in the skin and hair. Additionally it appears in other cells such as keratinocytes and certain types of immune cells. By binding specific ligands the MC1-R triggers a cascade of intracellular signals that influence melanin production.

Biological function summary

The MC1-R affects pigmentation by increasing the synthesis of eumelanin the dark pigment in the skin and hair while reducing pheomelanin the red or yellow pigment. It functions as part of a complex with other melanocortin receptors working in coordination to modulate the overall pigmentation process in response to environmental cues like ultraviolet radiation. The receptor achieves this by impacting key enzymes involved in melanin production such as tyrosinase.

Pathways

The MC1-R is part of the melanogenesis pathway a critical process for pigmentation protection against UV radiation and development. It interacts with other melanocortin receptors and is activated by melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH). The receptor plays a role in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway where it regulates the activity of the protein kinase A (PKA) an essential step in upregulating melanin synthesis. The cAMP pathway also links MC1-R with other related proteins such as CREB which further regulates gene expression.

Associated diseases and disorders

MC1-R mutations or dysregulations associate with conditions like melanoma and oculocutaneous albinism. In melanoma alterations in MC1-R signaling can lead to increased susceptibility to UV-induced damage as the protective eumelanin is reduced. The receptor also interacts with the protein p53 well known for its role in tumor suppression highlighting its significance in cancer biology. In oculocutaneous albinism MC1-R dysfunction results in decreased melanin production leading to pigmentation deficits and increased risks of skin cancers.