Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor activity. Involved in intracellular signal transduction; positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction; and positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Acts upstream of or within melanin biosynthetic process; pigmentation; and sensory perception of pain. Predicted to be located in membrane. Predicted to be active in cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; foregut; musculature; sensory organ; and skin. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in familial melanoma; major depressive disorder; melanoma; oculocutaneous albinism type II; and pigmentation disease. Orthologous to human MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor).