Investigation of the effects of 12 new synthesized peptides on the Melanocortin System
Melanocortin receptors are a family of seven transmembrane spinnings, G protein-coupled receptors, which play a crucial role in many biological processes, including skin pigmentation, adrenocortical steroidogenesis, energy homeostasis, natriuresis, erectile function, and exocrine gland function. Dysfunction of the Melanocortin receptor regulation correlates with human diseases like skin pigmentation alteration, sex dysfunction, and most importantly, obesity, which currently is one of the worldwide health concerns. My research focuses on designing 16 tetrapeptides for the MC4R and accessing their ability to affect appetite through alpha cAMP assay. The antagonist potency of the 12 peptides is presented by normalized cAMP activity and ligand concentrations. My research explores novel combinations of macrocyclic probes and forms the building blocks of melanocortin receptor chemistry.