Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein
experimentalAlso known as: CARTPT, Q16568
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) protein, encoded by the CARTPT gene (UniProt Q16568), functions primarily as an anorectic neuropeptide. Its mechanism of action involves modulation of hypothalamic feeding circuits, where it acts downstream of leptin signaling and opposes the orexigenic effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY). CART peptide inhibits both normal and starvation-induced feeding behavior and completely blocks the feeding response triggered by NPY, establishing it as a key satiety factor in energy homeostasis. Current research, supported by eight PubMed references, indicates that CART is expressed in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and other brain regions involved in reward and appetite regulation. Preclinical studies demonstrate that central administration of CART reduces food intake and body weight, while its expression is upregulated by leptin and downregulated in states of negative energy balance. Additionally, CART has been implicated in stress responses, reward processing, and neuroendocrine regulation, though its precise signaling pathways remain under investigation. Clinically, CART is considered an experimental target for obesity and eating disorders due to its potent anorectic properties. However, no approved therapies currently exist, and translational challenges include peptide stability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and potential off-target effects. Further research is needed to elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile. For research purposes only — not medical advice.
Key data
MESSRVRLLPLLGAALLLMLPLLGTRAQEDAELQPRALDIYSAVDDASHEKELIEALQEVLKKLKSKRVPIYEKKYGQVPMCDAGEQCAVRKGARIGKLCDCPRGTSCNSFLLKCLMechanism of action
Satiety factor closely associated with the actions of leptin and neuropeptide Y; this anorectic peptide inhibits both normal and starvation-induced feeding and completely blocks the feeding response induced by neuropeptide Y and regulated by leptin in the hypothalamus. It promotes neuronal development and survival in vitro
Research & studies
Serum CART level was significantly lower in IGD patients than in healthy controls.; IGD group scored higher on depression, anxiety, and reward response measures.; No significant correlations were found between CART level and psychological variables in the IGD group.; Findings support CART as a potential biomarker in IGD pathophysiology.
A spatially distinct CARTPT-expressing SMC subtype was enriched in male TAA samples.; Oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced CARTPT expression in human aortic SMCs.; CARTPT overexpression increased osteochondrogenic transcription factors and reduced contractile gene expression.; Calcium deposition colocalized with human CART staining in male TAA samples.
No significant difference in genotype or allele distribution between obese and non-obese subjects.; Logistic regression showed no association of mutated genotypes or allele with obesity.; Genotype and allele distribution differed significantly among ethnicities but not genders.; CARTPT rs2239670 is not a predictor for obesity in this Malaysian cohort.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein?
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) protein, encoded by the CARTPT gene (UniProt Q16568), functions primarily as an anorectic neuropeptide. Its mechanism of action involves modulation of hypothalamic feeding circuits, where it acts downstream of leptin signaling and opposes the orexigenic effects of ne
How does Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein work?
Satiety factor closely associated with the actions of leptin and neuropeptide Y; this anorectic peptide inhibits both normal and starvation-induced feeding and completely blocks the feeding response induced by neuropeptide Y and regulated by leptin in the hypothalamus. It promotes neuronal development and survival in vitro
What is the research status of Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein?
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein is currently classified as experimental, with 8 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.
What is the molecular weight of Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein?
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protein has a molecular weight of approximately 12829 g/mol.
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