Melanocortin 3 receptor

Melanocortin receptor 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the "MC3R" gene.
Function.
This gene encodes MC3, a G-protein coupled receptor for melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone that is expressed in tissues other than the adrenal cortex and melanocytes. This gene maps to the same region as the locus for benign neonatal epilepsy. Mice deficient for this gene have increased fat mass despite decreased food intake suggesting a role for this gene product in the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Research.
Studies performed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), found that two specific polymorphisms in the MC3R gene may be associated with pediatric obesity and greater body mass because of greater energy intake. Children who were homozygous for C17A + G241A consumed approximately 38% more than those who did not contain aforementioned polymorphisms. The study concluded that these genetic variants did not affect energy expenditure.