Agouti Signaling Protein

**Definition:** A secreted protein of approximately 131 amino acids (depending on species) that regulates the synthesis of eumelanin (brown/black) pigments in MELANOCYTES. Agouti protein antagonizes the signaling of MELANOCORTIN RECEPTORS and has wide distribution including ADIPOSE TISSUE; GONADS; and HEART. Its overexpression in agouti mice results in uniform yellow coat color, OBESITY, and metabolic defects similar to type II diabetes in humans.

**Tree numbers:** - D12.644.276.049 - D12.776.467.049 - D23.529.049

**Synonyms:** - Agouti Protein - Agouti Switch Protein - ASIP Protein