MeSH definition : A secreted protein of approximately 131 amino acids (depending on species) that regulates
the synthesis of eumelanin (brown/black) pigments in MELANOCYTES. Agouti protein antagonizes
the signaling of MELANOCORTIN RECEPTORS and has wide distribution including ADIPOSE
TISSUE; GONADS; and HEART. Its overexpression in agouti mice results in uniform yellow
coat color, OBESITY, and metabolic defects similar to type II diabetes in humans.;
A secreted protein of approximately 131 amino acids (depending on species) that regulates
the synthesis of eumelanin (brown/black) pigments in MELANOCYTES. Agouti protein antagonizes
the signaling of MELANOCORTIN RECEPTORS and has wide distribution including ADIPOSE
TISSUE; GONADS; and HEART. Its overexpression in agouti mice results in uniform yellow
coat color, OBESITY, and metabolic defects similar to type II diabetes in humans.