MC4R Mouse Models

Why Model MC4R

Mc4r is the mouse ortholog of human MC4R and encodes the melanocortin-4 receptor, a class A G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in the brain. MC4R signaling has been associated with regulation of appetite and energy balance.

MC4R mutations are among the more common monogenic causes of severe obesity, and an MC4R agonist is approved for certain genetic obesity syndromes. Mc4r-deficient mice develop obesity, hyperphagia, and increased body mass.

Model Applications

Humanized MC4R models, in which the human receptor replaces the mouse counterpart, have been used to evaluate MC4R-directed agents in defined experimental settings.

Custom MC4R Model Options

Engineered to your specifications, with molecular validation of the targeted allele and germline transmission guaranteed.

• Conventional knockout
• Conditional knockout
• Point mutation / knockin
• Reporter knockin
• Humanized
• Targeted transgenic

Sources

• The effect of melanocortin-4 receptor agonist drugs on obesity and metabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025. doi:10.1186/s13098-025-02071-2
• Huszar D et al. Targeted disruption of the melanocortin-4 receptor results in obesity in mice. Cell. 1997. doi:10.1016/s0092-8674(00)81865-6

Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Reviewed by: Paul Sheiffele

Related gene targets: Pomc · Agrp · Mc3r · Lepr