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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/pomc/

POMC gene

proopiomelanocortin

Normal Function

The POMC gene provides instructions for making a protein called proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which is cut (cleaved) into smaller pieces called peptides that have different functions in the body. The peptides attach (bind) to one of several proteins in different regions of the body, and this binding triggers signaling pathways that control many important functions.

One peptide produced from the POMC protein is called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH binds to melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), stimulating the release of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone helps maintain blood sugar (glucose) levels, protects the body from stress, and stops (suppresses) inflammation.

Three similar peptides called alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (α-, β-, and γ-MSH) are also cut from the POMC protein. The primary role of α-MSH is in the pigment-producing cells of the skin and hair (melanocytes), where it binds to melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). This attachment stimulates the production and release of a pigment called melanin, which is the substance that gives skin and hair their color.

The β-MSH peptide plays a role in weight regulation by binding to melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). Signaling through this receptor in the brain helps maintain the balance between energy from food taken into the body and energy spent by the body. The correct balance is important to control eating and weight. The α-MSH peptide can also bind to MC4R and help maintain the correct energy balance.

Studies show that γ-MSH binds to melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R). Signaling stimulated by this interaction appears to be involved in regulating the amount of sodium in the body and controlling blood pressure, although the mechanism is unclear.

Another peptide produced from POMC is β-endorphin. Attachment of β-endorphin to proteins in the brain called opioid receptors stimulates signaling for pain relief.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Proopiomelanocortin deficiency

Several mutations in the POMC gene have been found in people with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency. These gene mutations lead to production of an abnormally short version of the POMC protein or no protein at all. As a result, there is an absence of the peptides made from POMC, including ACTH, α-MSH, β-MSH, β-endorphin, and sometimes γ-MSH. Loss of these peptides prevents signaling through their receptor proteins and disrupts certain functions in the body. Without ACTH, there is a reduction in cortisol production, which leads to low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and other problems in affected individuals. Decreased α-MSH in the skin reduces pigment production in melanocytes, which results in the red hair and pale skin often seen in people with POMC deficiency. Loss of signaling in the brain stimulated by α-MSH and β-MSH dysregulates the body's energy balance, leading to overeating and severe obesity. Shortage of γ-MSH or β-endorphin does not seem to cause health problems in people with this condition.

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • ACTH
  • adrenocorticotropic hormone
  • adrenocorticotropin
  • alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
  • alpha-MSH
  • beta-endorphin
  • beta-LPH
  • beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
  • beta-MSH
  • CLIP
  • COLI_HUMAN
  • corticotropin-like intermediary peptide
  • corticotropin-lipotropin
  • gamma-LPH
  • gamma-MSH
  • lipotropin beta
  • lipotropin gamma
  • LPH
  • melanotropin alpha
  • melanotropin beta
  • melanotropin gamma
  • met-enkephalin
  • MSH
  • NPP
  • opiomelanocortin prepropeptide
  • POC
  • pro-ACTH-endorphin
  • pro-opiomelanocortin
  • pro-opiomelanocortin preproprotein
  • proopiomelanocortin preproprotein

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Biebermann H, Castaneda TR, van Landeghem F, von Deimling A, Escher F, Brabant G, Hebebrand J, Hinney A, Tschop MH, Gruters A, Krude H. A role for beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in human body-weight regulation. Cell Metab. 2006 Feb;3(2):141-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2006.01.007. Citation on PubMed
  • Kadekaro AL, Kanto H, Kavanagh R, Abdel-Malek Z. Significance of the melanocortin 1 receptor in regulating human melanocyte pigmentation, proliferation, and survival. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 Jun;994:359-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb03200.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Kathpalia PP, Charlton C, Rajagopal M, Pao AC. The natriuretic mechanism of Gamma-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone. Peptides. 2011 May;32(5):1068-72. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.02.006. Epub 2011 Feb 16. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Krude H, Biebermann H, Gruters A. Mutations in the human proopiomelanocortin gene. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 Jun;994:233-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb03185.x. Citation on PubMed
  • Lee YS, Challis BG, Thompson DA, Yeo GS, Keogh JM, Madonna ME, Wraight V, Sims M, Vatin V, Meyre D, Shield J, Burren C, Ibrahim Z, Cheetham T, Swift P, Blackwood A, Hung CC, Wareham NJ, Froguel P, Millhauser GL, O'Rahilly S, Farooqi IS. A POMC variant implicates beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the control of human energy balance. Cell Metab. 2006 Feb;3(2):135-40. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2006.01.006. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.