1. Cloning and molecular characterization of the novel human melanin-concentrating hormone receptor MCH2
- Author
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Rodriguez M, Beauverger P, Naime I, Rique H, Ouvry C, Souchaud S, Dromaint S, Nagel N, Suply T, Audinot V, Jean Albert Boutin, and Jp, Galizzi
- Subjects
DNA, Complementary ,Base Sequence ,Sequence Homology, Amino Acid ,Molecular Sequence Data ,Chromosome Mapping ,Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ,Humans ,Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 ,Tissue Distribution ,Amino Acid Sequence ,RNA, Messenger ,Receptors, Pituitary Hormone ,Receptors, Somatostatin ,Cloning, Molecular ,Peptides - Abstract
Using a genomics-based approach for screening orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, we have identified and cloned a novel high-affinity, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor. This receptor, named S643b, displays the greatest overall identity (32%) with the previously reported human SLC-1 receptor (MCH1) and to a lesser extent with the somatostatin receptor subtypes. The gene encoding the S643b receptor spans more than 23 kilobase pairs (kb) and was mapped, by radiation hybrid experiments, on chromosome 6q14.3-q15. Comparison of the S643b cDNA with human genomic sequence reveals that the 340-amino-acid receptor is encoded by five exons. Its tissue distribution, as determined by Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, indicates that a 4-kb transcript is predominantly expressed in the brain. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, the S643b receptor displays a strong, dose-dependent, transient elevation of intracellular calcium in response to MCH (EC(50) = 9.5 nM). During the present study, we isolated a splice variant, designated S643a, encoding for a receptor that was not activated by MCH in a cellular calcium mobilization assay. Comparative pharmacological studies using CHO cells stably expressing either SLC-1 or S643b receptors demonstrated that similar structural features of MCH are required to stimulate intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization at both receptors. The identification and localization of this new MCH receptor (MCH2) provides further insight into the physiological implication of MCH in modulating behavioral responses, including food intake.
- Published
- 2001