1
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Chesters RA, Zhu J, Coull BM, Baidoe-Ansah D, Baumer L, Palm L, Klinghammer N, Chen S, Hahm A, Yagoub S, Cantacorps L, Bernardi D, Ritter K, Lippert RN. Fasting-induced activity changes in MC3R neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402754. [PMID: 39107065 PMCID: PMC11303869 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain controls energy homeostasis by regulating food intake through signaling within the melanocortin system. Whilst we understand the role of the hypothalamus within this system, how extra-hypothalamic brain regions are involved in controlling energy balance remains unclear. Here we show that the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) is expressed in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT). We tested whether fasting would change the activity of MC3R neurons in this region by assessing the levels of c-Fos and pCREB as neuronal activity markers. We determined that overnight fasting causes a significant reduction in pCREB levels within PVT-MC3R neurons. We then questioned whether perturbation of MC3R signaling, during fasting, would result in altered refeeding. Using chemogenetic approaches, we show that modulation of MC3R activity, during the fasting period, does not impact body weight regain or total food intake in the refeeding period. However, we did observe significant differences in the pattern of feeding-related behavior. These findings suggest that the PVT is a region where MC3R neurons respond to energy deprivation and modulate refeeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Chesters
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bethany M Coull
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Baidoe-Ansah
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea Baumer
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Lydia Palm
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Niklas Klinghammer
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Seve Chen
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Anneke Hahm
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Selma Yagoub
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Lídia Cantacorps
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Bernardi
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritter
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Rachel N Lippert
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition https://ror.org/05xdczy51, Nuthetal, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Wang J, O'Reilly M, Cooper IA, Chehrehasa F, Moody H, Beecher K. Mapping GABAergic projections that mediate feeding. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105743. [PMID: 38821151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuroscience offers important insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity by investigating neural circuits underpinning appetite and feeding. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain, and its associated receptors represent an array of pharmacologically targetable mediators of appetite signalling. Targeting the GABAergic system is therefore an increasingly investigated approach to obesity treatment. However, the many GABAergic projections that control feeding have yet to be collectively analysed. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between GABAergic signalling and appetite by examining both foundational studies and the results of newly emerging chemogenetic/optogenetic experiments. A current snapshot of these efforts to map GABAergic projections influencing appetite is provided, and potential avenues for further investigation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wang
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia.
| | - Max O'Reilly
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Fatemeh Chehrehasa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayley Moody
- Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate Beecher
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Building 71/918 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
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3
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Dodt S, Widdershooven NV, Dreisow ML, Weiher L, Steuernagel L, Wunderlich FT, Brüning JC, Fenselau H. NPY-mediated synaptic plasticity in the extended amygdala prioritizes feeding during starvation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5439. [PMID: 38937485 PMCID: PMC11211344 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient control of feeding behavior requires the coordinated adjustment of complex motivational and affective neurocircuits. Neuropeptides from energy-sensing hypothalamic neurons are potent feeding modulators, but how these endogenous signals shape relevant circuits remains unclear. Here, we examine how the orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) adapts GABAergic inputs to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We find that fasting increases synaptic connectivity between agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing 'hunger' and BNST neurons, a circuit that promotes feeding. In contrast, GABAergic input from the central amygdala (CeA), an extended amygdala circuit that decreases feeding, is reduced. Activating NPY-expressing AgRP neurons evokes these synaptic adaptations, which are absent in NPY-deficient mice. Moreover, fasting diminishes the ability of CeA projections in the BNST to suppress food intake, and NPY-deficient mice fail to decrease anxiety in order to promote feeding. Thus, AgRP neurons drive input-specific synaptic plasticity, enabling a selective shift in hunger and anxiety signaling during starvation through NPY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Dodt
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Noah V Widdershooven
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Dreisow
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Weiher
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Thomas Wunderlich
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
- Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Gleueler Strasse 50, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 26, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, Cologne, 50931, Germany.
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4
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Martinez de Morentin PB, Gonzalez JA, Dowsett GKC, Martynova Y, Yeo GSH, Sylantyev S, Heisler LK. A brainstem to hypothalamic arcuate nucleus GABAergic circuit drives feeding. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1646-1656.e4. [PMID: 38518777 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic is principally driven by the consumption of more calories than the body requires. It is therefore essential that the mechanisms underpinning feeding behavior are defined. Neurons within the brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) receive direct information from the digestive system and project to second-order regions in the brain to regulate food intake. Although γ-aminobutyric acid is expressed in the DVC (GABADVC), its function in this region has not been defined. In order to discover the unique gene expression signature of GABADVC cells, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (Nuc-seq), and this revealed 19 separate clusters. We next probed the function of GABADVC cells and discovered that the selective activation of GABADVC neurons significantly controls food intake and body weight. Optogenetic interrogation of GABADVC circuitry identified GABADVC → hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) projections as appetite suppressive without creating aversion. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that GABADVC → ARC stimulation inhibits hunger-promoting neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons via GABA release. Adopting an intersectional genetics strategy, we clarify that the GABADVC → ARC circuit curbs food intake. These data identify GABADVC as a new modulator of feeding behavior and body weight and a controller of orexigenic NPY neuron activity, thereby providing insight into the neural underpinnings of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo B Martinez de Morentin
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Woodhouse LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - J Antonio Gonzalez
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Georgina K C Dowsett
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yuliia Martynova
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Giles S H Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sergiy Sylantyev
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Odesa National Mechnikov University, Biological Department, 2 Shampansky Ln., Odesa 65015, Ukraine.
| | - Lora K Heisler
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road W, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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5
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Li H, Li Z, Yuan X, Tian Y, Ye W, Zeng P, Li XM, Guo F. Dynamic encoding of temperature in the central circadian circuit coordinates physiological activities. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2834. [PMID: 38565846 PMCID: PMC10987497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock regulates animal physiological activities. How temperature reorganizes circadian-dependent physiological activities remains elusive. Here, using in-vivo two-photon imaging with the temperature control device, we investigated the response of the Drosophila central circadian circuit to temperature variation and identified that DN1as serves as the most sensitive temperature-sensing neurons. The circadian clock gate DN1a's diurnal temperature response. Trans-synaptic tracing, connectome analysis, and functional imaging data reveal that DN1as bidirectionally targets two circadian neuronal subsets: activity-related E cells and sleep-promoting DN3s. Specifically, behavioral data demonstrate that the DN1a-E cell circuit modulates the evening locomotion peak in response to cold temperature, while the DN1a-DN3 circuit controls the warm temperature-induced nocturnal sleep reduction. Our findings systematically and comprehensively illustrate how the central circadian circuit dynamically integrates temperature and light signals to effectively coordinate wakefulness and sleep at different times of the day, shedding light on the conserved neural mechanisms underlying temperature-regulated circadian physiology in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailiang Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhiyi Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wenjing Ye
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Pengyu Zeng
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Psychiatry of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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6
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Mbuthia G, Machaki D, Shaibu S, Kimani RW. Surviving Covid-19 Diagnosis Among Registered Nurses: Reactions, Consequences, and Coping Mechanisms. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:467-475. [PMID: 38187200 PMCID: PMC10770275 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To mitigate the spread of Covid-19, nurses infected with the virus were required to isolate themselves from their families and community. Isolated patients were reported to have experienced mental distress, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and suicide. Though studies have reported the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, less is known about the lived experiences of nurses who survived Covid-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to study the lived experiences of registered nurses who survived Covid-19 disease. In-depth interviews were conducted among nurses diagnosed with Covid-19 from two hospitals in Kenya between March and May, 2021. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit registered nurses. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's steps of analysis. Results The study included ten nurses between 29 and 45 years of age. Nurses' experiences encompassed three themes: diagnosis reaction, consequences, and coping. Reactions to the diagnosis included fear, anxiety, and sadness. The consequence of the diagnosis and isolation was stigma, isolation, and loneliness. Nurses coping mechanisms included acceptance, creating routines, support, and spirituality. Conclusion Our findings aid in understanding how nurses experienced Covid-19 infection as patients and will provide evidence-based content for supporting nurses in future pandemics. Moreover, as we acknowledge the heroic contribution of frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is prudent to recognize the considerable occupational risk as they balance their duty to care, and the risk of infection to themselves and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Mbuthia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doris Machaki
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Shaibu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel W. Kimani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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7
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So WL, Hu J, Jeffs L, Dempsey H, Lockie SH, Zigman JM, Stark R, Reichenbach A, Andrews ZB. Ghrelin signalling in AgRP neurons links metabolic state to the sensory regulation of AgRP neural activity. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101826. [PMID: 37898450 PMCID: PMC10643323 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sensory detection of food and food cues suppresses Agouti related peptide (AgRP) neuronal activity prior to consumption with greatest suppression occurring in response to highly caloric food or interoceptive energy need. However, the interoceptive mechanisms priming an appropriate AgRP neural response to external sensory information of food availability remain unexplored. Since hunger increases plasma ghrelin, we hypothesized that ghrelin receptor (GHSR) signalling on AgRP neurons is a key interoceptive mechanism integrating energy need with external sensory cues predicting caloric availability. METHODS We used in vivo photometry to measure the effects of ghrelin administration or fasting on AgRP neural activity with GCaMP6s and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens with GRAB-DA in mice lacking ghrelin receptors in AgRP neurons. RESULTS The deletion of GHSR on AgRP neurons prevented ghrelin-induced food intake, motivation and AgRP activity. The presentation of food (peanut butter pellet) or a wooden dowel suppressed AgRP activity in fasted WT but not mice lacking GHSRs in AgRP neurons. Similarly, peanut butter and a wooden dowel increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens after ip ghrelin injection in WT but not mice lacking GHSRs in AgRP neurons. No difference in dopamine release was observed in fasted mice. Finally, ip ghrelin administration did not directly increase dopamine neural activity in the ventral tegmental area. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that AgRP GHSRs integrate an interoceptive state of energy need with external sensory information to produce an optimal change in AgRP neural activity. Thus, ghrelin signalling on AgRP neurons is more than just a feedback signal to increase AgRP activity during hunger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Lok So
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jiachen Hu
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lotus Jeffs
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harry Dempsey
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Mental Health Division, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah H Lockie
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Romana Stark
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex Reichenbach
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zane B Andrews
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia.
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8
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Mirabella PN, Fenselau H. Advanced neurobiological tools to interrogate metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:639-654. [PMID: 37674015 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Engineered neurobiological tools for the manipulation of cellular activity, such as chemogenetics and optogenetics, have become a cornerstone of modern neuroscience research. These tools are invaluable for the interrogation of the central control of metabolism as they provide a direct means to establish a causal relationship between brain activity and biological processes at the cellular, tissue and organismal levels. The utility of these methods has grown substantially due to advances in cellular-targeting strategies, alongside improvements in the resolution and potency of such tools. Furthermore, the potential to recapitulate endogenous cellular signalling has been enriched by insights into the molecular signatures and activity dynamics of discrete brain cell types. However, each modulatory tool has a specific set of advantages and limitations; therefore, tool selection and suitability are of paramount importance to optimally interrogate the cellular and circuit-based underpinnings of metabolic outcomes within the organism. Here, we describe the key principles and uses of engineered neurobiological tools. We also highlight inspiring applications and outline critical considerations to be made when using these tools within the field of metabolism research. We contend that the appropriate application of these biotechnological advances will enable the delineation of the central circuitry regulating systemic metabolism with unprecedented potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Nicholas Mirabella
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Henning Fenselau
- Synaptic Transmission in Energy Homeostasis Group, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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9
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Huang J, Wang C, Zhang HB, Zheng H, Huang T, Di JZ. Neuroimaging and neuroendocrine insights into food cravings and appetite interventions in obesity. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad023. [PMID: 38666104 PMCID: PMC10917384 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
This article reviews the previous studies on the distinction between food cravings and appetite, and how they are regulated by hormones and reflected in brain activity. Based on existing research, food cravings are defined as individual preferences influenced by hormones and psychological factors, which differ from appetite, as they are not necessarily related to hunger or nutritional needs. The article also evaluates the neuroimaging findings about food cravings, and interventions to reduce food cravings, such as mindfulness training, alternative sweeteners, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and imaginal retraining, and points out their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Furthermore, the article delves into the potential future directions in the field, emphasizing the need for a neuroendocrine perspective, considerations for associated psychiatric disorders, innovative clinical interventions, and emerging therapeutic frontiers in obesity management. The article outlines the neuro-endocrine basis of food cravings, including ghrelin, leptin, melanocortin, oxytocin, glucagon-like peptide-1, baclofen, and other hormones and their brain regions of action. The article argues that food cravings are an important target for obesity, and more research is needed to explore their complex characteristics and mechanisms, and how to effectively interact with their neuro-endocrine pathways. The article provides a new perspective and approach to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Department of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hang-Bin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Centre for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Centre for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Xuhui Health Care Commission, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Di
- Department of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
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10
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Han Y, He Y, Harris L, Xu Y, Wu Q. Identification of a GABAergic neural circuit governing leptin signaling deficiency-induced obesity. eLife 2023; 12:e82649. [PMID: 37043384 PMCID: PMC10097419 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone leptin is known to robustly suppress food intake by acting upon the leptin receptor (LepR) signaling system residing within the agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons of the hypothalamus. However, clinical studies indicate that leptin is undesirable as a therapeutic regiment for obesity, which is at least partly attributed to the poorly understood complex secondary structure and key signaling mechanism of the leptin-responsive neural circuit. Here, we show that the LepR-expressing portal neurons send GABAergic projections to a cohort of α3-GABAA receptor expressing neurons within the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) for the control of leptin-mediated obesity phenotype. We identified the DMH as a key brain region that contributes to the regulation of leptin-mediated feeding. Acute activation of the GABAergic AgRP-DMH circuit promoted food intake and glucose intolerance, while activation of post-synaptic MC4R neurons in the DMH elicited exactly opposite phenotypes. Rapid deletion of LepR from AgRP neurons caused an obesity phenotype which can be rescued by blockage of GABAA receptor in the DMH. Consistent with behavioral results, these DMH neurons displayed suppressed neural activities in response to hunger or hyperglycemia. Furthermore, we identified that α3-GABAA receptor signaling within the DMH exerts potent bi-directional regulation of the central effects of leptin on feeding and body weight. Together, our results demonstrate a novel GABAergic neural circuit governing leptin-mediated feeding and energy balance via a unique α3-GABAA signaling within the secondary leptin-responsive neural circuit, constituting a new avenue for therapeutic interventions in the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Han
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Yang He
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Lauren Harris
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Qi Wu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
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11
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Treble-Barna A, Heinsberg LW, Stec Z, Breazeale S, Davis TS, Kesbhat AA, Chattopadhyay A, VonVille HM, Ketchum AM, Yeates KO, Kochanek PM, Weeks DE, Conley YP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) epigenomic modifications and brain-related phenotypes in humans: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105078. [PMID: 36764636 PMCID: PMC10164361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Epigenomic modifications of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene have been postulated to underlie the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological conditions. This systematic review summarizes current evidence investigating the association of BDNF epigenomic modifications (DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, histone modifications) with brain-related phenotypes in humans. A novel contribution is our creation of an open access web-based application, the BDNF DNA Methylation Map, to interactively visualize specific positions of CpG sites investigated across all studies for which relevant data were available. Our literature search of four databases through September 27, 2021 returned 1701 articles, of which 153 met inclusion criteria. Our review revealed exceptional heterogeneity in methodological approaches, hindering the identification of clear patterns of robust and/or replicated results. We summarize key findings and provide recommendations for future epigenomic research. The existing literature appears to remain in its infancy and requires additional rigorous research to fulfill its potential to explain BDNF-linked risk for brain-related conditions and improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amery Treble-Barna
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Lacey W Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Zachary Stec
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Stephen Breazeale
- Department of Health and Human Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Tara S Davis
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | | | - Ansuman Chattopadhyay
- Molecular Biology Information Service, Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Helena M VonVille
- Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Andrea M Ketchum
- Emeritus Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada.
| | - Patrick M Kochanek
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Daniel E Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Yvette P Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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12
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Li L, Zhang H, Zheng Z, Ma N, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhang J, Su S, Zang W, Shao J, Cao J. Perioperative sleep deprivation activates the paraventricular thalamic nucleus resulting in persistent postoperative incisional pain in mice. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:1074310. [PMID: 36620195 PMCID: PMC9813598 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.1074310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The duration of postsurgical pain is closely correlated with perioperative stress. Most patients suffer short-term sleep disorder/deprivation before and/or after surgery, which leads to extended postsurgical pain by an undetermined mechanism. The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a critical area that contributes to the regulation of feeding, awakening, and emotional states. However, whether the middle PVT is involved in postoperative pain or the extension of postoperative pain caused by perioperative sleep deprivation has not yet been investigated. Methods We established a model of postoperative pain by plantar incision with perioperative rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REMSD) 6 h/day for 3 consecutive days in mice. The excitability of the CaMKIIα+ neurons in the middle PVT (mPVTCaMKIIα) was detected by immunofluorescence and fiber photometry. The activation/inhibition of mPVTCaMKIIα neurons was conducted by chemogenetics. Results REMSD prolonged the duration of postsurgical pain and increased the excitability of mPVTCaMKIIα neurons. In addition, mPVTCaMKIIα neurons showed increased excitability in response to nociceptive stimuli or painful conditions. However, REMSD did not delay postsurgical pain recovery following the ablation of CaMKIIα neurons in the mPVT. The activation of mPVTCaMKIIα neurons prolonged the duration of postsurgical pain and elicited anxiety-like behaviors. In contrast, inhibition of mPVTCaMKIIα neurons reduced the postsurgical pain after REMSD. Conclusion Our data revealed that the CaMKIIα neurons in the mPVT are involved in the extension of the postsurgical pain duration induced by REMSD, and represented a novel potential target to treat postoperative pain induced by REMSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhenli Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Department of Medical Record Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,*Correspondence: Jinping Shao,
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,Jing Cao,
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13
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Signaling pathways in obesity: mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:298. [PMID: 36031641 PMCID: PMC9420733 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and global public health challenge. Characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, obesity sharply increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and is linked to lower life expectancy. Although lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) has remarkable effects on weight management, achieving long-term success at weight loss is extremely challenging, and the prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide. Over the past decades, the pathophysiology of obesity has been extensively investigated, and an increasing number of signal transduction pathways have been implicated in obesity, making it possible to fight obesity in a more effective and precise way. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the pathogenesis of obesity from both experimental and clinical studies, focusing on signaling pathways and their roles in the regulation of food intake, glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, thermogenesis, and chronic inflammation. We also discuss the current anti-obesity drugs, as well as weight loss compounds in clinical trials, that target these signals. The evolving knowledge of signaling transduction may shed light on the future direction of obesity research, as we move into a new era of precision medicine.
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14
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Vertes RP, Linley SB, Rojas AKP. Structural and functional organization of the midline and intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:964644. [PMID: 36082310 PMCID: PMC9445584 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.964644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The midline and intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus form a major part of the "limbic thalamus;" that is, thalamic structures anatomically and functionally linked with the limbic forebrain. The midline nuclei consist of the paraventricular (PV) and paratenial nuclei, dorsally and the rhomboid and nucleus reuniens (RE), ventrally. The rostral intralaminar nuclei (ILt) consist of the central medial (CM), paracentral (PC) and central lateral (CL) nuclei. We presently concentrate on RE, PV, CM and CL nuclei of the thalamus. The nucleus reuniens receives a diverse array of input from limbic-related sites, and predominantly projects to the hippocampus and to "limbic" cortices. The RE participates in various cognitive functions including spatial working memory, executive functions (attention, behavioral flexibility) and affect/fear behavior. The PV receives significant limbic-related afferents, particularly the hypothalamus, and mainly distributes to "affective" structures of the forebrain including the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens and the amygdala. Accordingly, PV serves a critical role in "motivated behaviors" such as arousal, feeding/consummatory behavior and drug addiction. The rostral ILt receives both limbic and sensorimotor-related input and distributes widely over limbic and motor regions of the frontal cortex-and throughout the dorsal striatum. The intralaminar thalamus is critical for maintaining consciousness and directly participates in various sensorimotor functions (visuospatial or reaction time tasks) and cognitive tasks involving striatal-cortical interactions. As discussed herein, while each of the midline and intralaminar nuclei are anatomically and functionally distinct, they collectively serve a vital role in several affective, cognitive and executive behaviors - as major components of a brainstem-diencephalic-thalamocortical circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Vertes
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
- Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Stephanie B. Linley
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
- Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA, United States
| | - Amanda K. P. Rojas
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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15
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Dumont C, Li G, Castel J, Luquet S, Gangarossa G. Hindbrain catecholaminergic inputs to the paraventricular thalamus scale feeding and metabolic efficiency in stress-related contexts. J Physiol 2022; 600:2877-2895. [PMID: 35648134 DOI: 10.1113/jp282996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of food intake and energy balance relies on the dynamic integration of exteroceptive and interoceptive signals monitoring nutritional, metabolic, cognitive, and emotional states. The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is a central hub that, by integrating sensory, metabolic, and emotional states, may contribute to the regulation of feeding and homeostatic/allostatic processes. However, the underlying PVT circuits still remain elusive. Here, we aimed at unravelling the role of catecholaminergic (CA) inputs to the PVT in scaling feeding and metabolic efficiency. First, using region-specific retrograde disruption of CA projections, we show that PVT CA inputs mainly arise from the hindbrain, notably the locus coeruleus (LC) and the nucleus tractus solitarius. Second, taking advantage of integrative calorimetric measurements of metabolic efficiency, we reveal that CA inputs to the PVT scale adaptive feeding and metabolic responses in environmental, behavioural, physiological, and metabolic stress-like contexts. Third, we show that hindbrainTH →PVT inputs contribute to modulating the activity of PVT as well as lateral and dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons. In conclusion, the present study, by assessing the key role of CA inputs to the PVT in scaling homeostatic/allostatic regulations of feeding patterns, reveals the integrative and converging hindbrainTH →PVT paths that contribute to whole-body metabolic adaptations in stress-like contexts. KEY POINTS: The paraventricular thalamus (PVT) is known to receive projections from the hindbrain. Here, we confirm and further extend current knowledge on the existence of hindbrainTH →PVT catecholaminergic inputs, notably from the locus coeruleus and the nucleus tractus solitarius, with the nucleus tractus solitarius representing the main source. Disruption of hindbrainTH →PVT inputs contributes to the modulation of PVT neuron activity. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs scale feeding strategies in environmental, behavioural, physiological, and metabolic stress-like contexts. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs participate in regulating metabolic efficiency and nutrient partitioning in stress-like contexts. HindbrainTH →PVT inputs, directly and/or indirectly, contribute to modulating the downstream activity of lateral and dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Dumont
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Guangping Li
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Julien Castel
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Serge Luquet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Gangarossa
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, Paris, France
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16
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Cui X, Gruzdeva A, Kim H, Yapici N. Of flies, mice and neural control of food intake: lessons to learn from both models. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 73:102531. [PMID: 35390643 PMCID: PMC9167741 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In her book, A Room of One's Own, the famous author Virginia Woolf writes "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well". This is true. All animals need to forage for food and consume specific nutrients to maintain their physiological homeostasis, maximize their fitness and their reproduction. After decades of research in humans and many model organisms, we now know that our brain is one of the key players that control what, when, and how much we eat. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on neural control of food intake behaviors in mice and flies with the view that these two model organisms complement one another in efforts to uncover conserved principles brains use to regulate energy metabolism and food ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Cui
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anna Gruzdeva
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Haein Kim
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nilay Yapici
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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17
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Lin S, Du Y, Xia Y, Xie Y, Xiao L, Wang G. Advances in optogenetic studies of depressive-like behaviors and underlying neural circuit mechanisms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:950910. [PMID: 36159933 PMCID: PMC9492959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.950910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The neural circuit mechanisms underlying depression remain unclear. Recently optogenetics has gradually gained recognition as a novel technique to regulate the activity of neurons with light stimulation. Scientists are now transferring their focus to the function of brain regions and neural circuits in the pathogenic progress of depression. Deciphering the circuitry mechanism of depressive-like behaviors may help us better understand the symptomatology of depression. However, few studies have summarized current progress on optogenetic researches into the neural circuit mechanisms of depressive-like behaviors. AIMS This review aimed to introduce fundamental characteristics and methodologies of optogenetics, as well as how this technique achieves specific neuronal control with spatial and temporal accuracy. We mainly summarized recent progress in neural circuit discoveries in depressive-like behaviors using optogenetics and exhibited the potential of optogenetics as a tool to investigate the mechanism and possible optimization underlying antidepressant treatment such as ketamine and deep brain stimulation. METHODS A systematic review of the literature published in English mainly from 2010 to the present in databases was performed. The selected literature is then categorized and summarized according to their neural circuits and depressive-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Many important discoveries have been made utilizing optogenetics. These findings support optogenetics as a powerful and potential tool for studying depression. And our comprehension to the etiology of depression and other psychiatric disorders will also be more thorough with this rapidly developing technique in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumeng Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaohua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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18
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Yang Y, He Y, Liu H, Zhou W, Wang C, Xu P, Cai X, Liu H, Yu K, Pei Z, Hyseni I, Fukuda M, Tong Q, Xu J, Sun Z, O'Malley BW, Xu Y. Hypothalamic steroid receptor coactivator-2 regulates adaptations to fasting and overnutrition. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110075. [PMID: 34879284 PMCID: PMC8715676 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system coordinates metabolic and behavioral adaptations to fasting, including reducing energy expenditure, promoting counterregulation, and suppressing satiation and anxiety to engage refeeding. Here, we show that steroid receptor coactivator-2 (SRC-2) in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons is a key regulator of all these responses to fasting. POMC-specific deletion of SRC-2 enhances the basal excitability of POMC neurons; mutant mice fail to efficiently suppress energy expenditure during food deprivation. SRC-2 deficiency blunts electric responses of POMC neurons to glucose fluctuations, causing impaired counterregulation. When food becomes available, these mutant mice show insufficient refeeding associated with enhanced satiation and discoordination of anxiety and food-seeking behavior. SRC-2 coactivates Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) to suppress POMC gene expression. POMC-specific deletion of SRC-2 protects mice from weight gain induced by an obesogenic diet feeding and/or FoxO1 overexpression. Collectively, we identify SRC-2 as a key molecule that coordinates multifaceted adaptive responses to food shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yanlin He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xing Cai
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaifan Yu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhou Pei
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ilirjana Hyseni
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Makoto Fukuda
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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19
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Gouveia A, de Oliveira Beleza R, Steculorum SM. AgRP neuronal activity across feeding-related behaviours. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:7458-7475. [PMID: 34655481 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AgRP neurons trigger one of the most potent orexigenic responses and are both necessary and sufficient for feeding. Recent technical advances for monitoring in vivo neuronal activity have revisited a previously well-established model of AgRP neurons' feeding regulatory effects. Our current understanding of AgRP neurons has increased in complexity and revealed a fine-tuned regulation of their activity dynamics across the whole sequence of feeding-related behaviours. This review focuses on recent studies that refined and re-evaluated our understanding of the regulatory principles and behavioural effects of AgRP circuits. We aim to cover major discoveries on the dynamic regulation of AgRP neuronal activity by exteroceptive and interoceptive food-related cues, their pleiotropic effects in feeding and whole-body homeostasis, and the associated AgRP circuits. The function and regulation of AgRP neuron will be sequentially discussed across the temporal series of behavioural and physiological changes occurring during the appetitive (food craving and foraging), the anticipatory (discovery of food-predicting cues), and the consummatory/post-ingestive phase of feeding (calorie ingestion).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayden Gouveia
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Max Planck Research Group Neurocircuit Wiring and Function, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rui de Oliveira Beleza
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Max Planck Research Group Neurocircuit Wiring and Function, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sophie M Steculorum
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Max Planck Research Group Neurocircuit Wiring and Function, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster for Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
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Hypothalamic control of interoceptive hunger. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3797-3809.e5. [PMID: 34273280 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
While energy balance is critical to survival, many factors influence food intake beyond caloric need or "hunger." Despite this, some neurons that drive feeding in mice are routinely referred to as "hunger neurons," whereas others are not. To understand how specific hypothalamic circuits control interoceptive hunger, we trained mice to discriminate fasted from sated periods. We then manipulated three hypothalamic neuronal populations with well-known effects on feeding while mice performed this task. While activation of ARCAGRP neurons in sated mice caused mice to report being food-restricted, LHVGAT neuron activation or LHVGLUT2 neuron inhibition did not. In contrast, LHVGAT neuron inhibition or LHVGLUT2 neuron activation in fasted mice attenuated natural hunger, whereas ARCAGRP neuron inhibition did not. Each neuronal population evoked distinct effects on food consumption and reward. After satiety- or sickness-induced devaluation, ARCAGRP neurons drove calorie-specific feeding, while LHVGAT neurons drove calorie-indiscriminate food intake. Our data support a role for ARCAGRP neurons in homeostatic feeding and implicate them in driving a hunger-like internal state that directs behavior toward caloric food sources. Moreover, manipulations of LH circuits did not evoke hunger-like effects in sated mice, suggesting that they may govern feeding more related to reward, compulsion, or generalized consumption than to energy balance, but also that these LH circuits can be powerful negative appetite modulators in fasted mice. This study highlights the complexity of hypothalamic feeding regulation and can be used as a framework to characterize how other neuronal circuits affect hunger and identify potential therapeutic targets for eating disorders.
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21
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Petrovich GD. The Function of Paraventricular Thalamic Circuitry in Adaptive Control of Feeding Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:671096. [PMID: 33986649 PMCID: PMC8110711 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.671096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a complex area that is uniquely embedded across the core feeding, reward, arousal, and stress circuits. The PVT role in the control of feeding behavior is discussed here within a framework of adaptive behavioral guidance based on the body’s energy state and competing drives. The survival of an organism depends on bodily energy resources and promotion of feeding over other behaviors is adaptive except when in danger or sated. The PVT is structurally set up to respond to homeostatic and hedonic needs to feed, and to integrate those signals with physiological and environmental stress, as well as anticipatory needs and other cognitive inputs. It can regulate both food foraging (seeking) and consumption and may balance their expression. The PVT is proposed to accomplish these functions through a network of connections with the brainstem, hypothalamic, striatal, and cortical areas. The connectivity of the PVT further indicates that it could broadcast the information about energy use/gain and behavioral choice to impact cognitive processes—learning, memory, and decision-making—through connections with the medial and lateral prefrontal cortical areas, the hippocampal formation, and the amygdala. The PVT is structurally complex and recent evidence for specific PVT pathways in different aspects of feeding behavior will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorica D Petrovich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
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22
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The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus: an integrative node underlying homeostatic behavior. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:538-549. [PMID: 33775435 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early anatomical evidence suggested that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) regulates arousal, as well as emotional and motivated behaviors. We discuss recent studies using modern techniques which now confirm and expand the involvement of the rodent PVT in these functions. Despite the emerging notion that the PVT is implicated in various behavioral processes, a recurrent theme is that activity in this brain region depends on internal state information arriving from the hypothalamus and brainstem, and is influenced by prior experience. We propose that the primary function of the PVT is to detect homeostatic challenges by integrating information about prior experiences, competing needs, and internal state to guide adaptive behavioral responses aimed at restoring homeostasis.
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