MCHR1 (GPR24)

MCHR1 (GPR24), also known as Melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1, is a class A G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). MCHR1 has received considerable attention, as potent and selective antagonists acting at that receptor display anxiolytic, antidepressant and/or anorectic properties. MCHR1 is the sole receptor expressed in rodents and couples to G_i and G_q proteins.

MCH is a ubiquitous vertebrate neuropeptide predominantly synthesized by neurons of the diencephalon that can act through two G protein-coupled receptors, called MCHR1 and MCHR2. MCHR1 can inhibit cAMP accumulation and stimulate intracellular calcium flux, and is probably involved in the neuronal regulation of food consumption. Although structurally similar to somatostatin receptors, this protein does not seem to bind somatostatin.