Structural basis of ligand recognition at the human MT₁ melatonin receptor.

ABSTRACT: Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a neurohormone that maintains circadian rhythms¹ by synchronization to environmental cues and is involved in diverse physiological processes² such as the regulation of blood pressure and core body temperature, oncogenesis, and immune function³. Melatonin is formed in the pineal gland in a light-regulated manner⁴ by enzymatic conversion from 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT or serotonin), and modulates sleep and wakefulness⁵ by activating two high-affinity G-protein-coupled receptors, type 1A (MT₁) and type 1B (MT₂)^3,6. Shift work, travel, and ubiquitous artificial lighting can disrupt natural circadian rhythms; as a result, sleep disorders affect a substantial popula

SUBMITTER: Stauch B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6696938 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature