AGRP
AGRP (agouti related neuropeptide, also known as agouti-related protein, ART or ASIP2) is a secreted signalling neuropeptide that antagonises melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R. It acts within the central melanocortin system to help control feeding behaviour and weight homeostasis. Browse Assay Genie's current range of AGRP research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
AGRP is a signalling protein that functions as an antagonist of the melanocyte-stimulating-hormone receptors MC3R and MC4R. By precluding agonist-induced signalling at these receptors, it inhibits cAMP production within the hypothalamus and adrenal gland. It also promotes endocytosis of MC3R and MC4R through an arrestin-dependent mechanism. Its activity towards MC5R is very low, so its antagonism is largely directed at MC3R and MC4R.
The AGRP gene encodes a secreted protein that is also found in the Golgi apparatus lumen, and HGNC places it in the neuropeptides gene group. The mouse ortholog is Agrp. Through the central melanocortin system, the AGRP protein is involved in the control of feeding behaviour. NCBI Gene summarises its role as regulating hypothalamic control of feeding via melanocortin receptor signalling and/or intracellular calcium regulation, contributing to weight homeostasis.
The gene has previously been described as agouti (mouse) related protein, and the symbols Agrt, ART and ASIP2 are recorded as aliases. Mutations in the AGRP gene have been associated with late-onset obesity, which makes it a frequent subject in studies of energy balance, appetite regulation and melanocortin pathway biology. Researchers studying this pathway often measure AGRP alongside its target receptors, using AGRP antibody or AGRP ELISA kit approaches suited to their experimental design.
AGRP is involved in control of feeding behaviour via the central melanocortin system, making it a core target in appetite studies.
The gene regulates hypothalamic control of feeding and weight homeostasis, and mutations are associated with late-onset obesity.
AGRP antagonises MC3R and MC4R, blocking agonist-induced signalling and reducing cAMP production, so it is useful for dissecting receptor pharmacology.
AGRP promotes arrestin-dependent endocytosis of MC3R and MC4R, offering a route into studies of melanocortin receptor internalisation.
AGRP is a secreted signalling protein that antagonises the melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R, preventing agonist-induced signalling and lowering cAMP production in the hypothalamus and adrenal gland. Through the central melanocortin system it helps control feeding behaviour and weight homeostasis.
AGRP stands for agouti related neuropeptide, and UniProt names the protein agouti-related protein. Aliases and earlier symbols include Agrt, ART and ASIP2. Earlier HGNC names were agouti (mouse) related protein and agouti related protein homolog (mouse).
Mutations in the AGRP gene have been associated with late-onset obesity, in line with its role in weight homeostasis. A mouse ortholog, Agrp, exists, so rodent models are commonly used; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Melanocortin receptors and other neuropeptides involved in feeding behaviour and energy balance research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O00253; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.