Structural determinants regulating cell surface targeting of melanocortin receptors

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Rodrigues, Adriana (Author) FCNAUP; Sousa, D. (Author) Other; Almeida, Henrique (Author) FCNAUP; Gouveia, Alexandra (Author) FCNAUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

Vol. 51 No. 2

Pages: 23-32

ISSN: 0952-5041

Publisher: BioScientifica Ltd.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 5 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

CORDIS: Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-JT9

DOI: 10.1530/JME-13-0055

Abstract (EN): Melanocortin receptors (MCRs) belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor family of transmembrane proteins. They recognize specific ligands named melanocortins that are mainly produced in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Newly synthesized MCRs at the endoplasmic reticulum are subjected to quality control mechanisms that screen for the correct structure, folding or processing, essential for their proper cell surface expression. Some motifs, located at the N- or C-terminus or even on transmembrane and in loop regions, have been implicated in these biological processes. This article reviews these specific domains and the role of accessory proteins and post-translation modifications in MCRs' targeting to cell surface. Additionally, promising approaches involving pharmacological stabilization of misfolded and misrouted mutant MCRs, which improve their forward transport, are reported. Understanding the MCRs' structural determinants fundamental for their proper cell surface integration is essential for correcting abnormalities found in some diseases.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: <a href="http://gateway.isiknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcAuth=Alerting&SrcApp=Alerting&DestApp=WOS&DestLinkType=FullRecord&KeyUT=:000327720600002">Indexado na ISI Web of Science</a>