MRAP2

Description

The MRAP2 (melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 6.

MRAP2, or Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2, is a protein encoded by the MRAP2 gene in humans. It acts as an accessory protein for the melanocortin receptors (MC1-5), a family of five receptors. MRAP2 was discovered through human genome sequencing analysis, and its gene is located on chromosome 6q14.3, distinct from the location of its paralog, MRAP. MRAP2 is believed to regulate the expression of melanocortin receptors (MC1-5) and certain non-melanocortin receptors, including the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), orexin receptor (OX1R), and prokineticin receptor (PKR-1). It was initially found in the adrenal gland and brain, but RNA-seq analysis from the Human Protein Atlas detected MRAP2 in other tissues like the ovary, endometrium, testis, digestive tract, pituitary gland, and skin. MRAP2's function is linked to regulating appetite and energy expenditure by influencing receptors within the brain circuits that control these functions. These receptors include MC4, MC3, GHSR-1a, PKR-1, and OX1R. The MRAP2 gene is situated on chromosome 6q14.3 and consists of 4 exons, with the first exon containing a non-coding sequence. The translated MRAP2 protein is a 205 amino acid, single-pass transmembrane protein.

MRAP2 modulates the activity of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), a receptor crucial for energy homeostasis. By increasing MC4R's sensitivity to ligands and enhancing cAMP production, MRAP2 plays a significant role in regulating energy balance and body weight. Additionally, MRAP2 may act as a negative regulator of MC2R, competing with MRAP for binding and inhibiting corticotropin (ACTH) binding to MC2R. While MRAP2 may also regulate other melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC5R), further in vivo evidence is needed to confirm this.

MRAP2 is also known as C6orf117, bA51G5.2.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing