PMCH

PMCH is a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products. These products include melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), neuropeptide-glutamic acid-isoleucine (NEI), and neuropeptide-glycine-glutamic acid (NGE). Melanin-concentrating hormone is a 19-amino acid neuropeptide that stimulates hunger and may additionally regulate energy homeostasis, reproductive function, and sleep.

Full Name

pro-melanin-concentrating hormone

Function

MCH may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in a broad array of neuronal functions directed toward the regulation of goal-directed behavior, such as food intake, and general arousal. May also have a role in spermatocyte differentiation.

Biological Process

Cell differentiationIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Chemical synaptic transmissionIEA:InterPro
Feeding behaviorISS:UniProtKB
Neuropeptide signaling pathwayIEA:UniProtKB-KW
SpermatogenesisIEA:UniProtKB-KW

Cellular Location

Secreted

PTM

Differentially processed in the brain and in peripheral organs producing two neuropeptides; NEI and MCH. A third peptide, NGE, may also be produced. Preferential processing in neurons by prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) generates NEI. MCH is generated in neurons of the lateral hypothalmic area by several prohormone convertases including PC1/3, PC2 and PC5/6.