What is it about?
This study identifies a novel signaling mechanisms involving a complex formed by two GPCRs - OPN3 and MC4R - and an ion channel, Kir 7.1, in hypothalamic neurons and shows its physiological function in animals. The study uncovers a mechanism by which the nonvisual opsin receptor OPN3, a receptor with unknown function in the hypothalamus, changes food intake in mice by modulating signaling via the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), mutations in which are a known genetic cause of obesity in humans.
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Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study is important because it reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for the MC4R, a master regulator of energy balance in mammalian organisms. It is also important because it uncovers a novel and unexpected function for Opsin 3, a nonvisual opsin receptor with unknown function in the brain.
Perspectives
The collaboration between the Oancea and Lang labs made it possible to go from identifying the molecular signaling mechanism to understanding its impact at the animal level. It's been an exciting journey.
Elena Oancea
Brown University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Hypothalamic opsin 3 suppresses MC4R signaling and potentiates Kir7.1 to promote food consumption, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, February 2025, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403891122.
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