Melatonin Receptor 1C (MTNR1C)

A melatonin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) which binds melatonin.Three types of melatonin receptor have been cloned. The MT₁ and MT₂ receptor subtypes are present in humans and other mammals, while an additional melatonin receptor subtype MT₃ (or Mel_1C or MTNR1C) has been identified in amphibia and birds.Melatonin receptor 1C has been identified in fish, amphibia, and birds, but not in humans. In mammals, melatonin receptors are found in the brain and some peripheral organs. However, there is considerable variation in the density and location of the expression of melatonin receptors between species. The MT₁ subtype is present in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland and the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. The MT₂ subtype is mainly present in the retina. The MT₃ subtype of many lower vertebrates is expressed in various brain areas.