POMC, short for Pro-opiomelanocortin, is a peptide hormone precursor that is primarily produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is considered a prohormone because it gives rise to several important peptide hormones.
The POMC molecule consists of a long chain of amino acids which is cleaved, or enzymatically cut, to produce various smaller hormonal peptides. These include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), β-endorphin, melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), and others.
ACTH is responsible for regulating the production and release of cortisol, a hormone that plays a crucial role in stress response and metabolism. β-endorphin is an opioid peptide that is involved in pain regulation, stress response, and pleasure sensations. MSHs are involved in the regulation of skin pigmentation and have roles in appetite and inflammatory responses as well.
POMC is primarily synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland in response to hormonal signals from the hypothalamus. It is later secreted into the bloodstream, where it can affect various target tissues and organs through its peptide hormone derivatives.
Overall, POMC is a precursor protein that gives rise to multiple bioactive peptides, each with distinct physiological functions. Its importance lies in regulating various processes such as stress response, inflammation, appetite, pain perception, skin pigmentation, and others.
