Γ-Lipotropin

γ-Lipotropin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the POMC gene. It is a 56-amino acid polypeptide that is a part of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)/lipotropin precursor molecule known as proopiomelanocortin (POMC). γ-Lipotropin has no known biological function; however, it is similar to β-Lipotropin, which is a known lipotropic hormone.

Structure

γ-Lipotropin is a polypeptide chain that consists of 56 amino acids. It is a part of the larger POMC molecule, which also includes ACTH and β-Lipotropin. The POMC gene is located on the 2p23.3 chromosome and is composed of three exons.

Function

While γ-Lipotropin itself has no known biological function, it is a part of the POMC molecule, which plays a crucial role in the body's response to physical stress. The POMC molecule is cleaved into several other peptides, including ACTH, which stimulates the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps regulate a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the POMC gene, including mutations that affect the production of γ-Lipotropin, can lead to a variety of health conditions. For example, overproduction of ACTH can lead to Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by high levels of cortisol in the blood. On the other hand, underproduction of ACTH can lead to Addison's disease, a condition characterized by low levels of cortisol in the blood.

See also

• Proopiomelanocortin
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone
• Cortisol
• Cushing's syndrome
• Addison's disease