Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor polypeptide (241 amino acids) that is cleaved into several other active peptides in the body, with various physiological effects, depending on where the peptide is processed. POMC is mainly produced by the corticotroph cells of the anterior pituitary and the melanotroph cells of the intermediate pituitary. It is also produced in the hypothalamus, as well as the melanocytes in the skin.