Fluorescence-Based Assays for Characterisation of Novel Melanocortin Compounds

Melanocortin receptors are proteins in the body that help regulate important processes such as skin pigmentation, energy balance, and metabolism. This thesis focuses on developing new compounds that interact with these receptors and may have potential therapeutic applications. First, reliable laboratory tests were established to measure how strongly different compounds bind to and activate melanocortin receptors. These tests were then used to study a series of newly designed cyclic peptide molecules and understand how changes in their chemical structure affect their biological activity. The findings provide new insights into how melanocortin receptors function and identify promising compounds that could support future drug development.