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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Regulation of thermogenesis by the central melanocortin system
Wei Fan1, Adriana Voss-Andreae, Wei-Hua Cao
1Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code L474, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. fanw@ohsu.edu
Abstract:
Adaptive thermogenesis represents one of the important homeostatic mechanisms by which the body maintains appropriate levels of stored energy and its core temperature. Dysregulation of adaptive thermogenesis promotes obesity. The central melanocortin system, in particular the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling pathway, influences the regulation of every aspect of energy balance, including thermogenesis, and plays a critical role in energy homeostasis in both rodent and man. This review will outline our current understanding of adaptive thermogenesis, focusing on the role of the central melanocortin pathway in the regulation of thermogenesis.
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