The melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 (MCHR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), a neuropeptide involved in regulating energy homeostasis, feeding behavior, and emotional responses. Unlike MCHR1. which is widely studied for its role in appetite and mood modulation, MCHR2 is found predominantly in primates, including humans, and is absent in rodents. This species specificity has limited its functional characterization, though it is expressed in brain regions like the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, suggesting potential roles in cognitive and emotional processes.
MCHR2 antibodies are essential tools for investigating the receptor’s expression, localization, and signaling mechanisms. They enable detection of MCHR2 in tissues or cultured cells via techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Researchers use these antibodies to explore MCHR2’s involvement in disorders like obesity, depression, and anxiety, as well as its interactions with neural circuits. However, challenges remain due to the receptor’s structural similarity to MCHR1 and low endogenous expression levels, requiring rigorous validation of antibody specificity. Current studies aim to clarify MCHR2’s physiological roles and its potential as a therapeutic target, though progress is slower compared to MCHR1-focused research.