Understanding melatonin receptor pharmacology: Latest insights from mouse models, and their relevance to human disease. (5th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tosini, Gianluca; Owino, Sharon; Guillaume, Jean‐Luc; Jockers, Ralf
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 36:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 778
• Page End: 787
• Publication Date: 2014-06-05
• Subjects: Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bies201400017-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>Melatonin, the neuro‐hormone synthesized during the night, has recently seen an unexpected extension of its functional implications toward type 2 diabetes development, visual functions, sleep disturbances, and depression. Transgenic mouse models were instrumental for the establishment of the link between melatonin and these major human diseases. Most of the actions of melatonin are mediated by two types of G protein‐coupled receptors, named MT₁ and MT₂, which are expressed in many different organs and tissues. Understanding the pharmacology and function of mouse MT₁ and MT₂ receptors, including MT₁/MT₂ heteromers, will be of crucial importance to evaluate the relevance of these mouse models for future therapeutic developments. This review will critically discuss these aspects, and give some perspectives including the generation of new mouse models.</p> </sec> </abstract>