Profile
Description of Research
Melanocortins are known for their central role in skin pigmentation and for their immunomodulatory actions in leukocytes. However, melanocortins appear to have also direct effects on the vasculature and heart. Our current research projects focus on investigating the role of melanocortin signalling in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in atherosclerosis and cardiac hypertrophy. We utilize both loss- and gain-of-function models as well as pharmacological and genetic approaches to advance our understanding of the role of melanocortins and their cognate receptors in these diseases. Ultimately, the research aims at evaluating the therapeutic potential of targeting melanocortin receptors for the management of lipid disorders, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy.
Representative Publications
Kadiri JJ, Tadayon S, Thapa K, Suominen A, Hollmen M, Rinne P. Melanocortin 1 Receptor Deficiency in Hematopoietic Cells Promotes the Expansion of Inflammatory Leukocytes in Atherosclerotic Mice. Front Immunol. 2021 Nov 19;12:774013.
Rinne P, Guillamat-Prats R, Rami M, et al. Palmitoylethanolamide Promotes a Pro-Resolving Macrophage Phenotype and Attenuates Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation. Thromb Vasc Biol. 2018 Nov;38(11):2562-2575.
Nuutinen S, Ailanen L, Savontaus E, Rinne P. Melanocortin Overexpression Limits Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in LDLR-/- mice. J Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;236(3):111-123
Rinne P, Kadiri J, Velasco-Delgado M, Nuutinen S, et al. Melanocortin 1 Receptor Deficiency Promotes Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E -/- Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2018 Feb;38(2):313-323.
Rinne P, Rami M, Nuutinen SL, et al. Melanocortin 1 Receptor Signaling Regulates Cholesterol Transport in Macrophages. Circulation. 2017 Jul 4;136(1):83-97.