AGRP has been demonstrated to be an inverse agonist of melanocortin receptors, specifically MC3-R and MC4-R. The melanocortin receptors, MC3-R and MC4-R, are directly linked to metabolism and body weight control. These receptors are activated by the<unk>  hormone α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) and antagonized by the<unk><unk>  protein. Whereas α-MSH acts broadly on most members of the MCR family (with the exception of MC2-R), AGRP is highly specific for only MC3-R and MC4-R. This inverse agonism not only antagonizes the action of melanocortin agonists such as α-MSH but also further decreases the cAMP produced by the affected cells. The exact mechanism by which AgRP inhibits melanocortin-receptor signalling is not completely clear. It has been suggested that<unk><unk>  protein binds MSH receptors and acts as a competitive antagonist of ligand binding. Studies of<unk>  protein in B16 melanoma cells supported this logic. The expression of AgRP in the adrenal gland is regulated by glucocorticoids. The protein blocks α-MSH-induced secretion of corticosterone.
Agouti-related peptide
Nesfatin-1
Histrelin
Ghrelin
Delta-sleep-inducing peptide
Proopiomelanocortin
Bryostatin
Incretin