MC4R as a Target for Pharmacotherapeutic Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

The melanocortin family of G-protein-coupled receptors is the main group of receptors to control appetite, energy homeostasis, and adipose tissue accumulation. In particular, the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is believed to have a central role in the management of food intake and energy expenditure. Mutations in this gene often lead to an increase in weight, therefore being considered the monogenic target for the treatment of obesity. Obesity is also often the cause of other onerous conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Efforts to develop a novel pharmacotherapy for this condition have disclosed the complexity of physiological roles and activation mechanisms of this receptor. A promising drug is currently on clinical trials, but efforts to develop a more selective and potent compound have not ceased.