Considering the key role of α-MSH-mediated melanocortin signaling system in the regulation of energy balance, exemplified by marked hyperphagia and obesity in its deficient states in both rodents and humans, the α-MSH mimetic properties of bacterial ClpB suggest that commensal bacteria producing similar with the E.coli ClpB protein, may be used as an anti-obesity probiotic [13–15]. The gene discussed is CLPB; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.