A biochemical function for attractin in agouti-induced pigmentation and obesity

Citation
L. He et al., A biochemical function for attractin in agouti-induced pigmentation and obesity, NAT GENET, 27(1), 2001, pp. 40-47
Citations number
50
Categorie Soggetti
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Journal title
NATURE GENETICS
ISSN journal
10614036 → ACNP
Volume
27
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
40 - 47
Database
ISI
SICI code
1061-4036(200101)27:1<40:ABFFAI>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
Agouti protein, a paracrine signaling molecule normally limited to skin, is ectopically expressed in lethal yellow (A(y)) mice, and causes obesity by mimicking agouti-related protein (Agrp), found primarily in the hypothalamu s. Mouse attractin (Atrn) is a widely expressed transmembrane protein whose loss of function in mahogany (Atrn(mg-3J)/Atrn(mg-3J)) mutant mice blocks the pleiotropic effects of A(y). Here we demonstrate in transgenic, biochem ical and genetic-interaction experiments that attractin is a low-affinity r eceptor for agouti protein, but not Agrp, in vitro and in vivo. Additional histopathologic abnormalities in Atrn(mg-3J)/Atrn(mg-3J) mice and cross-spe cies genomic comparisons indicate that Atrn has multiple functions distinct from both a physiologic and an evolutionary perspective.