Two Melanin-concentrating hormone receptors (MCHR) have recently been characterized: MCH-R1 and MCH-R2. These two receptors share approximately 38% homology

Homology (biology)

Homology forms the basis of organization for comparative biology. In 1843, Richard Owen defined homology as "the same organ in different animals under every variety of form and function". Organs as different as a bat's wing, a seal's flipper, a cat's paw and a human hand have a common underlying...

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• MCH-R1
  Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1
  Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1, also known as MCH1, is one of the human melanin-concentrating hormone receptors.-Function:...
  
   is expressed in all mammals.
• MCH-R2
  Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2
  Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 also known as G-protein coupled receptor 145 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MCHR2 gene....
  
   is only found in some primates and carnivores including dogs, ferrets and man
  Human
  Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
  
  .

Clinical significance

Antagonists might be useful in the treatment of obesity

Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...

 and anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. The root meaning of the word anxiety is 'to vex or trouble'; in either presence or absence of psychological stress, anxiety can create feelings of fear, worry, uneasiness,...

 and depression

Clinical depression

Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...

. An agonist might have possible utility as a treatment for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered...

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Research is ongoing for antagonists affecting MCH receptors R1 and R2.

External links