Recent advances in the development of melanocortin-4 receptor ligands

Abstract

Background: Melanocortins, which are derived from proopiomelanocortin, have been implicated in a variety of physiological processes. To date, five subtypes of melanocortin receptors have been identified, all of which are G-protein–coupled receptors. Of these, the melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor has become a particular focus of much attention in recent years because of the critical roles it plays in a wide range of functions, including feeding, sexual behavior and energy homeostasis. Objective/methods: This article highlights and reviews research advances in this field that have been published in patent literature since 2004. Results/conclusion: The majority of the MC4-receptor ligands disclosed in the period reviewed are analogs of N-acylpiperidines or piperazines.

Keywords::

• anxiety
• cachexia
• depression
• diabetes mellitus
• drug addiction
• MC4 receptor
• melanocortin-4 receptor
• melanocortin-4 receptor ligands
• obesity
• pain
• sexual dysfunction