Melanocortin System (α-MSH)

The melanocortin system is a set of signaling peptides (such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, α-MSH) and five receptors, MC1R through MC5R. Different receptors sit in different tissues, so a melanocortin ligand’s effects depend on which receptor subtypes it engages.

Research analogs in this class are described by their receptor selectivity: some are studied at MC1R (associated with pigment biology), while non-selective analogs also engage central receptors such as MC4R. This is receptor pharmacology described for laboratory reference only.