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Proopiomelanocortin

Meaning

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a large, biologically inactive precursor polypeptide synthesized predominantly in the pituitary gland and specific hypothalamic nuclei within the central nervous system. This single protein is a prohormone that undergoes extensive, tissue-specific post-translational enzymatic cleavage to yield a family of potent, biologically active peptide hormones. These derived peptides include Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), various Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones (MSH), and the endogenous opioid beta-endorphin, collectively integrating stress response, energy balance, and pain perception.