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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Development of the hypothalamic melanocortin system.

Berengere Coupe¹, Sebastien G Bouret

¹Neuroscience Program, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA, USA ; U837, Neurobese Lab, INSERM, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center, University Lille 2 Lille, France.

Frontiers in Endocrinology

|April 2, 2013

Summary

The melanocortin system, crucial for energy balance, involves pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) neurons. Understanding their development is key to unraveling feeding regulation and related disorders.

Keywords:

MC4R axon guidance development hormones hypothalamus neurogenesis pro-opiomelanocortin αMSH

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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Endocrinology
Developmental Biology

Background:

The melanocortin system, comprising pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) neurons, is vital for regulating energy balance.
While its role in feeding control is known, the developmental mechanisms of these neurons are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the developmental processes underlying POMC and MC4R neuron formation and function.
To identify key genetic and environmental factors influencing melanocortin system development.

Main Methods:

Investigated neuron birth, fate specification, and axonal guidance within the melanocortin system.
Examined the roles of specific genes, developmental cues, and perinatal factors.

Main Results:

Identified critical developmental steps in POMC and MC4R neuron development, including axonal projection.
Highlighted the influence of perinatal hormones and nutrition on the melanocortin system's architecture.

Conclusions:

The development of the melanocortin system is a complex process involving precise genetic and environmental interactions.
Perinatal factors significantly shape the structure and function of this critical energy balance regulatory system.