产品描述： background: This gene encodes a polypeptide hormone precursor that undergoes extensive, tissue-specific, post-translational processing via

cleavage by subtilisin-like enzymes known as prohormone convertases. There are eight potential cleavage sites within the

polypeptide precursor and, depending on tissue type and the available convertases, processing may yield as many as ten biologically

active peptides involved in diverse cellular functions. The encoded protein is synthesized mainly in corticotroph cells of the anterior

pituitary where four cleavage sites are used; adrenocorticotrophin, essential for normal steroidogenesis and the maintenance of normal

adrenal weight, and lipotropin beta are the major end products. In other tissues, including the hypothalamus, placenta, and epithelium,

all cleavage sites may be used, giving rise to peptides with roles in pain and energy homeostasis, melanocyte stimulation, and immune

modulation. These include several distinct melanotropins, lipotropins, and endorphins that are contained within the adrenocorticotrophin

and beta-lipotropin peptides. Mutations in this gene have been associated with early onset obesity, adrenal insufficiency, and red hair

pigmentation. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].

Function:

ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) increases the pigmentation of skin by increasing melanin production in melanocytes. Beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin are endogenous opiates.