Mahogany/Attraction: Enroute from phenotype to function

The mouse mahogany mutation affects melanocortin signaling pathways char re gulate energy homeostasis and hair color. The gene mutated in mahogany mice encodes Attractin, a large transmembrane protein that is broadly expressed and conserved among multicellular animals. Mouse Attractin is likely to ha ve additional roles outside melanocortin signaling, and cloning of the gene provides information that can be used to form testable hypotheses about it s biochemical function. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 2000;10:76-81). (C) 2000, El sevier Science Inc.