Metabolic · Neuropeptide
Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)
Also known as Agouti-related protein
AgRP is a neuropeptide that potently stimulates feeding by acting as an inverse agonist at melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R in the brain.
- Length
- 132 amino acids (human); active fragment is shorter
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- AgRP acts as a potent inverse agonist/antagonist of the melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R, strongly promoting food intake.
- Studied in
- It is a key tool in neuroscience and metabolic research for studying the central regulation of appetite, energy balance, and body weight in laboratory models.
About Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)
Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) is a neuropeptide produced primarily in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is co-expressed with Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in a crucial population of neurons that regulate energy homeostasis. The full-length human protein consists of 132 amino acids, but the biologically active domain resides in the C-terminal portion, which is stabilized by multiple disulfide bonds.
The primary mechanism of AgRP is its function as a powerful orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) agent. It achieves this by acting as a competitive antagonist and inverse agonist at the melanocortin-3 (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 (MC4R) receptors. By blocking the anorexigenic signals from endogenous agonists like α-MSH, AgRP strongly promotes food intake, making it a central molecule of interest in research on appetite control and energy balance.
Laboratory notes
- The active C-terminal fragment, AgRP (83-132), is often used in research as it retains full biological activity and is smaller than the full-length protein.
- The multiple disulfide bonds in the C-terminal domain are critical for the peptide's structure and its high-affinity binding to melanocortin receptors.
- Due to its potent and long-lasting effects on feeding behavior in animal models, concentration selection needs care.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)
What is the primary physiological effect of AgRP?
AgRP is one of the most potent known endogenous appetite stimulants (orexigens). Its central administration in animal models leads to a robust and sustained increase in food intake.
How does AgRP work at a receptor level?
It acts as an inverse agonist and antagonist at the melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R, blocking the appetite-suppressing signals of melanocortins like α-MSH.
Which part of the AgRP molecule is biologically active?
The C-terminal fragment, often designated as AgRP (83-132) in humans, contains the receptor-binding domain and is responsible for its biological activity. This region is structurally constrained by several disulfide bridges.
Is Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
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