70 citations
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December 2004 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” This study found that BMP signaling influences hair pigmentation in mice by affecting the Agouti protein and interacts with MC-1R pathways to modulate melanin production.
43 citations
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May 1999 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” This study found that full-length Agouti protein modulates melanocortin receptor signaling through a dual mechanism involving competitive antagonism and receptor down-regulation, whereas the carboxyl-terminal fragment acts solely as a competitive antagonist.
22 citations
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June 2010 in “Experimental Dermatology” This study reported that patients with alopecia areata have reduced expression of the melanocortin receptor MC2R in their scalp tissues compared to normal scalp, indicating potential involvement in the condition's pathophysiology.
7 citations
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October 2010 in “Medical Hypotheses” Alopecia areata may involve stress-related changes affecting hormone receptors, leading to reduced cortisol production.
1 citations
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January 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology” This study found that α-MSH may suppress IFN-γ-driven upregulation of ICAM-1 in human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting potential roles for melanocortins in inflammatory skin disorders beyond collagen synthesis effects.