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Ghrelin Receptor Activation

Meaning

The process by which the peptide hormone ghrelin, often termed the “hunger hormone,” binds to and functionally engages its cognate receptor, the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a), located primarily in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This specific receptor activation initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events that centrally regulate appetite, energy balance, and the secretion of growth hormone. Clinically, modulating this activation is a target for treating metabolic disorders.