This C-type lectin-like domain (CTLD) is found in human and mouse attractin (AtrN) and attractin-like protein (ALP). CTLD refers to a domain homologous to the carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) of the C-type lectins. Mouse AtrN (the product of the mahogany gene) has been shown to bind Agouti protein and to function in agouti-induced pigmentation and obesity []. Mutations in AtrN have also been shown to cause spongiform encephalopathy and hypomyelination in rats and hamsters [, , ]. The cytoplasmic region of mouse ALP has been shown to bind to melanocortin receptor (MCR4) []. Signaling through MCR4 plays a role in appetite suppression. Attractin may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of obesity []. Human attractin (hAtrN) has been shown to be expressed on activated T cells and released extracellularly. The circulating serum attractin induces the spreading of monocytes that become the focus of the clustering of non-proliferating T cells [, , ].
