[Structure and function of melatonin receptors].

Melatonin receptors belong to the super-family of G protein-coupled receptors. They modulate a large spectrum of physiological functions including regulation of circadian rhythms and seasonal reproduction. Pharmacological evidence suggests the expression of two types of receptors, called Mel1 and Mel2. So far, only Mel1 receptors have been cloned and classified into three subtypes (Mel1A, Mel1B, Mel1C). Mel1 receptors are expressed in the brain, the retina and several other peripheral tissues. All Mel1 subtypes show comparable pharmacological profiles including inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Cloning and expression of two allelic isoforms of the Mel1 receptor from Xenopus laevis has revealed another signalling pathway, inhibition of cGMP levels via the soluble guanylyl cyclase pathway. The two isoforms are differentially coupled to the cAMP and cGMP pathways indicating the existence of functional differences between melatonin receptors. Future research topics will include cloning of the Mel2 receptor, receptor regulation and the elucidation of melatonin receptor's function in peripheral tissues.