1
|
Yu H, Chiang A, Rubinstein M, Low MJ. The homeodomain transcription factor Six3 regulates hypothalamic Pomc expression and its absence from POMC neurons induces hyperphagia and mild obesity in male mice. Mol Metab 2024; 87:101993. [PMID: 39025297 PMCID: PMC11327434 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101993] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons release potent anorexigenic neuropeptides, which suppress food intake and enhance energy expenditure via melanocortin receptors. Although the importance of central melanocortin in physiological regulation is well established, the underlying genetic mechanisms that define the functional identity of melanocortin neurons and maintain hypothalamic Pomc expression remain to be fully determined. In this study, we investigate the functional significance of Six3, a transcriptional regulator notably expressed in embryonic and adult mouse POMC neurons, in the regulation of hypothalamic Pomc expression and downstream physiological consequences. METHODS We first evaluated the expression of Six3 in the developing and adult hypothalamus by double fluorescence in situ hybridization. Next, we assessed POMC immunoreactivity in mutant mice selectively lacking Six3 from Pomc-expressing neurons and quantified Pomc mRNA levels in a tamoxifen-inducible Six3 knockout mouse model activated at embryonic E9.5 days. We also determined glucose and insulin sensitivity, daily food intake, body composition and body weight in adult male and female mice lacking Six3 specifically from POMC neurons. Lastly, we assessed the physiological consequences of ablating Six3 from POMC neurons in adult mice. RESULTS Six3 and Pomc were co-expressed in mouse hypothalamic neurons during development and adulthood. Mouse embryos deficient in Six3 showed reduced Pomc expression in the developing hypothalamus. Targeted deletion of Six3 specifically from POMC neurons resulted in decreased hypothalamic Pomc expression, increased daily food intake, enhanced glucose sensitivity and mild obesity in male but not in female mice. Finally, conditional removal of Six3 from POMC neurons in adult mice led to a reduction in hypothalamic POMC immunoreactivity with no significant effects in body weight or food intake. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our results demonstrate that Six3 plays an essential role in the early establishment of POMC neuron identity and the maintenance of physiological levels of hypothalamic Pomc expression. In addition, our study demonstrates that the functional significance of Six3 expression in POMC neurons is sexually dimorphic and age-dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States; Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States.
| | - Angelika Chiang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Marcelo Rubinstein
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zuccaro MV, LeDuc CA, Thaker VV. Updates on Rare Genetic Variants, Genetic Testing, and Gene Therapy in Individuals With Obesity. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:626-641. [PMID: 38822963 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00567-y] [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] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to aggregate information on monogenic contributions to obesity in the past five years and to provide guidance for genetic testing in clinical care. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in sequencing technologies, increasing awareness, access to testing, and new treatments have increased the utilization of genetics in clinical care. There is increasing recognition of the prevalence of rare genetic obesity from variants with mean allele frequency < 5% -new variants in known genes as well as identification of novel genes- causing monogenic obesity. While most of these genes are in the leptin melanocortin pathway, those in adipocytes may also contribute. Common variants may contribute either to higher lifetime tendency for weight gain or provide protection from monogenic obesity. While specific genetic mutations are rare, these segregate in individuals with early-onset severe obesity; thus, collectively genetic etiologies are not as rare. Some genetic conditions are amenable to targeted treatment. Research into the discovery of novel genetic causes as well as targeted treatment is growing over time. The utility of therapeutic strategies based on the genetic risk of obesity is an advancing frontier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Zuccaro
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Charles A LeDuc
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1150, St. Nicholas Avenue, NY 10032, United States
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Vidhu V Thaker
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1150, St. Nicholas Avenue, NY 10032, United States.
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Kim M, Jiang L, Baron L, Faulkner LD, Olson DP, Li X, Gannot N, Li P, Rui L. SH2B1 Defends Against Energy Imbalance, Obesity, and Metabolic Disease via a Paraventricular Hypothalamus→Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Neurocircuit. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400437. [PMID: 38885417 PMCID: PMC11336965 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
SH2B1 mutations are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in humans. Global deletion of Sh2b1 results in severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, and MASLD in mice. Neuron-specific restoration of SH2B1 rescues the obesity phenotype of Sh2b1-null mice, indicating that the brain is a main SH2B1 target. However, SH2B1 neurocircuits remain elusive. SH2B1-expressing neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVHSH2B1) and a PVHSH2B1→dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurocircuit are identified here. PVHSH2B1 axons monosynaptically innervate DRN neurons. Optogenetic stimulation of PVHSH2B1 axonal fibers in the DRN suppresses food intake. Chronic inhibition of PVHSH2B1 neurons causes obesity. In male and female mice, either embryonic-onset or adult-onset deletion of Sh2b1 in PVH neurons causes energy imbalance, obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and MASLD. Ablation of Sh2b1 in the DRN-projecting PVHSH2B1 subpopulation also causes energy imbalance, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, SH2B1 overexpression in either total or DRN-projecting PVHSH2B1 neurons protects against diet-induced obesity. SH2B1 binds to TrkB and enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Ablation of Sh2b1 in PVHSH2B1 neurons induces BDNF resistance in the PVH, contributing to obesity. In conclusion, these results unveil a previously unrecognized PVHSH2B1→DRN neurocircuit through which SH2B1 defends against obesity by enhancing BDNF/TrkB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Min‐Hyun Kim
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityPhoenixAZ85004USA
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Lorelei Baron
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Latrice D. Faulkner
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - David P. Olson
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes InstituteUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Xingyu Li
- Life Sciences InstituteUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Noam Gannot
- Life Sciences InstituteUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Life Sciences InstituteUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Department of Biologic and Materials SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
| | - Liangyou Rui
- Department of Molecular & Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes InstituteUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI48109USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMI48109USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Srour N, Caron A, Michael NJ. Do POMC neurons have a sweet tooth for leptin? Special issue: Role of nutrients in nervous control of energy balance. Biochimie 2024; 223:179-187. [PMID: 36122808 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.006] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Coordinated detection of changes in metabolic state by the nervous system is fundamental for survival. Hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a critical role in integrating metabolic signals, including leptin levels. They also coordinate adaptative responses and thus represent an important relay in the regulation of energy balance. Despite a plethora of work documenting the effects of individual hormones, nutrients, and neuropeptides on POMC neurons, the importance for crosstalk and additive effects between such signaling molecules is still underexplored. The ability of the metabolic state and the concentrations of nutrients, such as glucose, to influence leptin's effects on POMC neurons appears critical for understanding the function and complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of leptin on POMC neuron electrical excitability and discuss factors potentially contributing to variability in these effects, with a particular focus on the mouse models that have been developed and the importance of extracellular glucose levels. This review highlights the importance of the metabolic "environment" for determining hypothalamic neuronal responsiveness to metabolic cues and for determining the fundamental effects of leptin on the activity of hypothalamic POMC neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nader Srour
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Montreal Diabetes Research Center, QC, Canada.
| | - Natalie Jane Michael
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu H, Qu N, Gonzalez NV, Palma MA, Chen H, Xiong J, Choubey A, Li Y, Li X, Yu M, Liu H, Tu L, Zhang N, Yin N, Conde KM, Wang M, Bean JC, Han J, Scarcelli NA, Yang Y, Saito K, Cui H, Tong Q, Sun Z, Wang C, Cai X, Lu L, He Y, Xu Y. A Light-Responsive Neural Circuit Suppresses Feeding. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2192232024. [PMID: 38897723 PMCID: PMC11270527 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2192-23.2024] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Light plays an essential role in a variety of physiological processes, including vision, mood, and glucose homeostasis. However, the intricate relationship between light and an animal's feeding behavior has remained elusive. Here, we found that light exposure suppresses food intake, whereas darkness amplifies it in male mice. Interestingly, this phenomenon extends its reach to diurnal male Nile grass rats and healthy humans. We further show that lateral habenula (LHb) neurons in mice respond to light exposure, which in turn activates 5-HT neurons in the dorsal Raphe nucleus (DRN). Activation of the LHb→5-HTDRN circuit in mice blunts darkness-induced hyperphagia, while inhibition of the circuit prevents light-induced anorexia. Together, we discovered a light-responsive neural circuit that relays the environmental light signals to regulate feeding behavior in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 .
| | - Na Qu
- Research Center for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan 430012, China .
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan 430012, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430012, China
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430012, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430012, China
| | | | - Marco A Palma
- Human Behavior Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Huamin Chen
- Research Center for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan 430012, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan 430012, China
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430012, China
| | - Jiani Xiong
- Research Center for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan 430012, China
- Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan 430012, China
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430012, China
| | - Abhinav Choubey
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hesong Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Longlong Tu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Na Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kristine Marie Conde
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Mengjie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jonathan Carter Bean
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Junying Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Nikolas Anthony Scarcelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Huxing Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- F.O.E. Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Xing Cai
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Li Lu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 .
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gallo R, Teijeiro A, Angulo-Aguado M, Djouder N. IL-17A produced by POMC neurons regulates diet-induced obesity. iScience 2024; 27:110259. [PMID: 39027371 PMCID: PMC11255842 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110259] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Overeating leads to obesity, a low-grade inflammatory condition involving interleukin-17A (IL-17A). While pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons regulate feeding, their connection with IL-17A is not well understood. To impair IL-17A signaling in POMC neurons, IL-17A receptor (Il17ra) was deleted by crossing IL17ra-flox and Pomc-Cre mice. Despite effective deletion, these mice showed no differences in body weight or adiposity compared to control mice, challenging the idea that IL-17A induces obesity through POMC neuron regulation. However, both groups exhibited reduced weight gain and adiposity upon high-fat diet compared to mice carrying only the floxed alleles, suggesting independent effects of Pomc-Cre transgene on body weight. Further analysis reveals that POMC neurons express IL-17A, and reduction in number of POMC neurons in Pomc-Cre mice could be linked to decreased IL-17A expression, which correlates with reduced adipocyte gene expression associated with obesity. Our data underscore an unexpected crosstalk between IL-17A-producing POMC neurons and the endocrine system in obesity regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gallo
- Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Teijeiro
- Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana Angulo-Aguado
- Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nabil Djouder
- Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kolling LJ, Khan K, Wang R, Pierson SR, Hartman BD, Balasubramanian N, Guo DF, Rahmouni K, Marcinkiewcz CA. Interaction of serotonin/GLP-1 circuitry in a dual preclinical model for psychiatric disorders and metabolic dysfunction. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115951. [PMID: 38735240 PMCID: PMC11267813 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115951] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Isolation of rodents throughout adolescence is known to induce many behavioral abnormalities which resemble neuropsychiatric disorders. Separately, this paradigm has also been shown to induce long-term metabolic changes consistent with a pre-diabetic state. Here, we investigate changes in central serotonin (5-HT) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurobiology that dually accompany behavioral and metabolic outcomes following social isolation stress throughout adolescence. We find that adolescent-isolation mice exhibit elevated blood glucose levels, impaired peripheral insulin signaling, altered pancreatic function, and fattier body composition without changes in bodyweight. These mice further exhibited disruptions in sleep and enhanced nociception. Using bulk and spatial transcriptomic techniques, we observe broad changes in neural 5-HT, GLP-1, and appetitive circuits. We find 5-HT neurons of adolescent-isolation mice to be more excitable, transcribe fewer copies of Glp1r (mRNA; GLP-1 receptor), and demonstrate resistance to the inhibitory effects of the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide on action potential thresholds. Surprisingly, we find that administration of semaglutide, commonly prescribed to treat metabolic syndrome, induced deficits in social interaction in group-housed mice and rescued social deficits in isolated mice. Overall, we find that central 5-HT circuitry may simultaneously influence mental well-being and metabolic health in this model, via interactions with GLP-1 and proopiomelanocortin circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis J Kolling
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kanza Khan
- Psychological Sciences, Daemen University, Amherst, New York, USA
| | - Ruixiang Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Samantha R Pierson
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Benjamin D Hartman
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Deng-Fu Guo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kamal Rahmouni
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu H, He Y, Liu H, Brouwers B, Yin N, Lawler K, Keogh JM, Henning E, Lee DK, Yu M, Tu L, Zhang N, Conde KM, Han J, Yan Z, Scarcelli NA, Liao L, Xu J, Tong Q, Zheng H, Sun Z, Yang Y, Wang C, He Y, Farooqi IS, Xu Y. Neural circuits expressing the serotonin 2C receptor regulate memory in mice and humans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl2675. [PMID: 38941473 PMCID: PMC11212768 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl2675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Declined memory is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experiments in rodents and human postmortem studies suggest that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) plays a role in memory, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we investigate the role of 5-HT 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) in regulating memory. Transgenic mice expressing a humanized HTR2C mutation exhibit impaired plasticity of hippocampal ventral CA1 (vCA1) neurons and reduced memory. Further, 5-HT neurons project to and synapse onto vCA1 neurons. Disruption of 5-HT synthesis in vCA1-projecting neurons or deletion of 5-HT2CRs in the vCA1 impairs neural plasticity and memory. We show that a selective 5-HT2CR agonist, lorcaserin, improves synaptic plasticity and memory in an AD mouse model. Cumulatively, we demonstrate that hippocampal 5-HT2CR signaling regulates memory, which may inform the use of 5-HT2CR agonists in the treatment of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hesong Liu
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang He
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bas Brouwers
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Na Yin
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine Lawler
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Julia M. Keogh
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elana Henning
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Dong-Kee Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristine M. Conde
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junying Han
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zili Yan
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nikolas A. Scarcelli
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lan Liao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, 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
| | - Hui Zheng
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- USDA/ARS, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - I. Sadaf Farooqi
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS, 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, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu H, Liu Z, Wong HK, Xu N, Liu Q, Li Y, Liu Y, Wong H, Burt ME, Jossy SV, Han J, He Y. Therapeutic Strategies Against Metabolic Imbalance in a Male Mouse Model With 5-HT2CR Loss-of-Function. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae063. [PMID: 38815086 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-melanocortin pathway plays well-established roles in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. Dysfunctions in this system, such as loss-of-function mutations in the Htr2c gene, can lead to hyperphagia and obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic strategies for ameliorating hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and obesity associated with a loss-of-function mutation in the Htr2c gene (Htr2cF327L/Y). We demonstrated that reexpressing functional 5-HT2CR solely in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons is sufficient to reduce food intake and body weight in Htr2cF327L/Y mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). In addition, 5-HT2CR expression restores the responsiveness of POMC neurons to lorcaserin, a selective agonist for 5-HT2CR. Similarly, administration of melanotan II, an agonist of the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), effectively suppresses feeding and weight gain in Htr2cF327L/Y mice. Strikingly, promoting wheel-running activity in Htr2cF327L/Y mice results in a decrease in HFD consumption and improved glucose homeostasis. Together, our findings underscore the crucial role of the melanocortin system in alleviating hyperphagia and obesity related to dysfunctions of the 5-HT2CR, and further suggest that MC4R agonists and lifestyle interventions might hold promise in counteracting hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and obesity in individuals carrying rare variants of the Htr2c gene.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Hyperphagia/metabolism
- Hyperphagia/genetics
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/metabolism
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics
- Diet, High-Fat
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/agonists
- alpha-MSH/pharmacology
- alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives
- Loss of Function Mutation
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Body Weight/drug effects
- Eating/drug effects
- Eating/physiology
- Eating/genetics
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Hyperglycemia/metabolism
- Hyperglycemia/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Benzazepines
- Peptides, Cyclic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhaoxun Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - HueyXian Kelly Wong
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nathan Xu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingzhuo Liu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - HueyZhong Wong
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan E Burt
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanika V Jossy
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junying Han
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang He
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nakamura S, Sasaki T, Uenoyama Y, Inoue N, Nakanishi M, Yamada K, Morishima A, Suzumura R, Kitagawa Y, Morita Y, Ohkura S, Tsukamura H. Raphe glucose-sensing serotonergic neurons stimulate KNDy neurons to enhance LH pulses via 5HT2CR: rat and goat studies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10190. [PMID: 38702366 PMCID: PMC11068885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58470-4] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of central serotonergic neurons is known to cause depressive disorders in humans, who often show reproductive and/or glucose metabolism disorders. This study examined whether dorsal raphe (DR) serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to upregulate reproductive function via activating hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) kisspeptin neurons (= KNDy neurons), a dominant stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/gonadotropin pulses, using female rats and goats. RNA-seq and histological analysis revealed that stimulatory serotonin-2C receptor (5HT2CR) was mainly expressed in the KNDy neurons in female rats. The serotonergic reuptake inhibitor administration into the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), including the ARC, significantly blocked glucoprivic suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses and hyperglycemia induced by intravenous 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) administration in female rats. A local infusion of glucose into the DR significantly increased in vivo serotonin release in the MBH and partly restored LH pulses and hyperglycemia in the 2DG-treated female rats. Furthermore, central administration of serotonin or a 5HT2CR agonist immediately evoked GnRH pulse generator activity, and central 5HT2CR antagonism blocked the serotonin-induced facilitation of GnRH pulse generator activity in ovariectomized goats. These results suggest that DR serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to reduce gluconeogenesis and upregulate reproductive function by activating GnRH/LH pulse generator activity in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Nakamura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Marina Nakanishi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ai Morishima
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Reika Suzumura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yuri Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Morita
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohkura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Conde KM, Wong H, Fang S, Li Y, Yu M, Deng Y, Liu Q, Fang X, Wang M, Shi Y, Ginnard OZ, Yang Y, Tu L, Liu H, Liu H, Yin N, Bean JC, Han J, Burt ME, Jossy SV, Yang Y, Tong Q, Arenkiel BR, Wang C, He Y, Xu Y. 5-HT Neurons Integrate GABA and Dopamine Inputs to Regulate Meal Initiation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591360. [PMID: 38746314 PMCID: PMC11092489 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a growing global health epidemic with limited effective therapeutics. Serotonin (5-HT) is one major neurotransmitter which remains an excellent target for new weight-loss therapies, but there remains a gap in knowledge on the mechanisms involved in 5-HT produced in the dorsal Raphe nucleus (DRN) and its involvement in meal initiation. Using a closed-loop optogenetic feeding paradigm, we showed that the 5-HTDRN→arcuate nucleus (ARH) circuit plays an important role in regulating meal initiation. Incorporating electrophysiology and ChannelRhodopsin-2-Assisted Circuit Mapping, we demonstrated that 5-HTDRN neurons receive inhibitory input partially from GABAergic neurons in the DRN, and the 5-HT response to GABAergic inputs can be enhanced by hunger. Additionally, deletion of the GABAA receptor subunit in 5-HT neurons inhibits meal initiation with no effect on the satiation process. Finally, we identified the instrumental role of dopaminergic inputs via dopamine receptor D2 in 5-HTDRN neurons in enhancing the response to GABA-induced feeding. Thus, our results indicate that 5-HTDRN neurons are inhibited by synergistic inhibitory actions of GABA and dopamine, which allows for the initiation of a meal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine M. Conde
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - HueyZhong Wong
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shuzheng Fang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yue Deng
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingzhuo Liu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xing Fang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mengjie Wang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuhan Shi
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Olivia Z. Ginnard
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuxue Yang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Na Yin
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan C. Bean
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junying Han
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan E. Burt
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanika V. Jossy
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang He
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Leon S, Simon V, Lee TH, Steuernagel L, Clark S, Biglari N, Lesté-Lasserre T, Dupuy N, Cannich A, Bellocchio L, Zizzari P, Allard C, Gonzales D, Le Feuvre Y, Lhuillier E, Brochard A, Nicolas JC, Teillon J, Nikolski M, Marsicano G, Fioramonti X, Brüning JC, Cota D, Quarta C. Single cell tracing of Pomc neurons reveals recruitment of 'Ghost' subtypes with atypical identity in a mouse model of obesity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3443. [PMID: 38658557 PMCID: PMC11043070 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47877-2] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus contains a remarkable diversity of neurons that orchestrate behavioural and metabolic outputs in a highly plastic manner. Neuronal diversity is key to enabling hypothalamic functions and, according to the neuroscience dogma, it is predetermined during embryonic life. Here, by combining lineage tracing of hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons with single-cell profiling approaches in adult male mice, we uncovered subpopulations of 'Ghost' neurons endowed with atypical molecular and functional identity. Compared to 'classical' Pomc neurons, Ghost neurons exhibit negligible Pomc expression and are 'invisible' to available neuroanatomical approaches and promoter-based reporter mice for studying Pomc biology. Ghost neuron numbers augment in diet-induced obese mice, independent of neurogenesis or cell death, but weight loss can reverse this shift. Our work challenges the notion of fixed, developmentally programmed neuronal identities in the mature hypothalamus and highlight the ability of specialised neurons to reversibly adapt their functional identity to adult-onset obesogenic stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Leon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Simon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas H Lee
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Samantha Clark
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nasim Biglari
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nathalie Dupuy
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Astrid Cannich
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Zizzari
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Allard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Delphine Gonzales
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yves Le Feuvre
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emeline Lhuillier
- University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, U1297, 31400, France; GeT-Santé, Plateforme Génome et Transcriptome, GenoToul, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Brochard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean Charles Nicolas
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérémie Teillon
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, US4, UAR 3420, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Macha Nikolski
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, 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
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carmelo Quarta
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Flanigan ME, Gianessi C, Castle M, Dorlean W, Sides T, Kash TL. Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) neurons containing the serotonin 5HT 2c receptor modulate operant alcohol self-administration behavior in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:709-719. [PMID: 37884740 PMCID: PMC10876660 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01753-7] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin 5HT2c receptor has been widely implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly alcohol seeking and the affective consequences of chronic alcohol consumption. However, little is known about the brain sites in which 5HT2c exerts its effects on specific alcohol-related behaviors, especially in females. Here, we investigated the effects of site-specific manipulation of the 5HT2c receptor system in the BNST on operant alcohol self-administration behaviors in adult mice of both sexes, including the acquisition and maintenance of fixed-ratio responding, motivation for alcohol (progressive ratio), and quinine-adulterated responding for alcohol on a fixed-ratio schedule (punished alcohol seeking). Knockdown of 5HT2c in the BNST did not affect the acquisition or maintenance of operant alcohol self-administration, nor did it affect progressive ratio responding for alcohol. This manipulation had only a subtle effect on responding for quinine alcohol selectively in females. On the other hand, chemogenetic inhibition of BNST 5HT2c-containing neurons (BNST5HT2c) increased operant alcohol self-administration behavior in both sexes on day 2, but not day 9, of testing. It also increased operant responding for 1000 μM quinine-adulterated alcohol selectively in males. Importantly, chemogenetic inhibition of BNST5HT2c did not alter operant sucrose responding or motivation for sucrose in either sex. We then performed cell-type specific anterograde tracing, which revealed that BNST5HT2c project to similar regions in males and females, many of which have been previously implicated in AUD. We next used chemogenetics and quantification of the immediate early gene cFos to characterize the functional influence of BNST5HT2c inhibition on vlPAG activity. We show that chemogenetic inhibition of BNST5HT2c reduces vlPAG cFos in both sexes, but that this reduction is more robust in males. Together these findings suggest that BNST5HT2c neurons, and to a small extent the BNST 5HT2c receptor, serve to promote aversive responses to alcohol consumption, potentially through sex-dependent disinhibition of vlPAG neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Flanigan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carol Gianessi
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan Castle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Winifred Dorlean
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tori Sides
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Guo DF, Williams PA, Laule C, Seaby C, Zhang Q, Sheffield VC, Rahmouni K. POMC Neuron BBSome Regulation of Body Weight is Independent of its Ciliary Function. FUNCTION 2023; 5:zqad070. [PMID: 38223458 PMCID: PMC10787280 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The BBSome, a complex of several Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins including BBS1, has emerged as a critical regulator of energy homeostasis. Although the BBSome is best known for its involvement in cilia trafficking, through a process that involve BBS3, it also regulates the localization of cell membrane receptors underlying metabolic regulation. Here, we show that inducible Bbs1 gene deletion selectively in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons cause a gradual increase in body weight, which was associated with higher fat mass. In contrast, inducible deletion of Bbs3 gene in POMC neurons failed to affect body weight and adiposity. Interestingly, loss of BBS1 in POMC neurons led to glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity, whereas BBS3 deficiency in these neurons is associated with slight impairment in glucose handling, but normal insulin sensitivity. BBS1 deficiency altered the plasma membrane localization of serotonin 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR) and ciliary trafficking of neuropeptide Y2 receptor (NPY2R).In contrast, BBS3 deficiency, which disrupted the ciliary localization of the BBSome, did not interfere with plasma membrane expression of 5-HT2CR, but reduced the trafficking of NPY2R to cilia. We also show that deficiency in BBS1, but not BBS3, alters mitochondria dynamics and decreased total and phosphorylated levels of dynamin-like protein 1 (DRP1) protein. Importantly, rescuing DRP1 activity restored mitochondria dynamics and localization of 5-HT2CR and NPY2R in BBS1-deficient cells. The contrasting effects on energy and glucose homeostasis evoked by POMC neuron deletion of BBS1 versus BBS3 indicate that BBSome regulation of metabolism is not related to its ciliary function in these neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Fu Guo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul A Williams
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Connor Laule
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Charles Seaby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Qihong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kamal Rahmouni
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Obesity Research and Education Initiative, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Y, Yang D, Wang L, Król E, Mazidi M, Li L, Huang Y, Niu C, Liu X, Lam SM, Shui G, Douglas A, Speakman JR. Maternal High Fat Diet in Lactation Impacts Hypothalamic Neurogenesis and Neurotrophic Development, Leading to Later Life Susceptibility to Obesity in Male but Not Female Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2305472. [PMID: 37867217 PMCID: PMC10724448 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Early life nutrition can reprogram development and exert long-term consequences on body weight regulation. In mice, maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during lactation predisposed male but not female offspring to diet-induced obesity when adult. Molecular and cellular changes in the hypothalamus at important time points are examined in the early postnatal life in relation to maternal diet and demonstrated sex-differential hypothalamic reprogramming. Maternal HFD in lactation decreased the neurotropic development of neurons formed at the embryo stage (e12.5) and impaired early postnatal neurogenesis in the hypothalamic regions of both males and females. Males show a larger increased ratio of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) to Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in early postnatal neurogenesis, in response to maternal HFD, setting an obese tone for male offspring. These data provide insights into the mechanisms by which hypothalamic reprograming by early life overnutrition contributes to the sex-dependent susceptibility to obesity in adult life in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Xu
- Shenzhen key laboratory for metabolic healthCenter for Energy Metabolism and ReproductionShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Dengbao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
- Institute of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotlandAB24 2TZUK
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesShijingshanBeijing100049P. R. China
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationYantai UniversityYantai264005P. R. China
| | - Elżbieta Król
- Institute of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotlandAB24 2TZUK
| | - Mohsen Mazidi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesShijingshanBeijing100049P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesShijingshanBeijing100049P. R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Chaoqun Niu
- Shenzhen key laboratory for metabolic healthCenter for Energy Metabolism and ReproductionShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Sin Man Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Guanghou Shui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
| | - Alex Douglas
- Institute of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotlandAB24 2TZUK
| | - John R. Speakman
- Shenzhen key laboratory for metabolic healthCenter for Energy Metabolism and ReproductionShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhen518055P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101P. R. China
- Institute of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenScotlandAB24 2TZUK
- China medical universityShenyang110000P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tschöp MH, Friedman JM. Seeking satiety: From signals to solutions. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh4453. [PMID: 37992155 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh4453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Remedies for the treatment of obesity date to Hippocrates, when patients with obesity were directed to "reduce food and avoid drinking to fullness" and begin "running during the night." Similar recommendations have been repeated ever since, despite the fact that they are largely ineffective. Recently, highly effective therapeutics were developed that may soon enable physicians to manage body weight in patients with obesity in a manner similar to the way that blood pressure is controlled in patients with hypertension. These medicines have grown out of a revolution in our understanding of the molecular and neural control of appetite and body weight, reviewed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias H Tschöp
- Helmholtz Munich and Technical University Munich, Munich, 85758 Germany
| | - Jeffrey M Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Srour N, Lavoie O, Khouma A, Minbashi Moeini M, Plamondon J, Kinkead R, Michael NJ, Caron A. Electrophysiological Comparison of Definitive Pro-opiomelanocortin Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus and the Retrochiasmatic Area of Male and Female Mice. Neuroscience 2023; 530:95-107. [PMID: 37619768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.08.024] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) are considered a major site of leptin action. Due to increasing evidence that POMC neurons are highly heterogeneous and indications that the conventional molecular tools to study their functions have important limitations, a reassessment of leptin's effects on definitive POMC neurons is needed. POMC neurons are also expressed in the retrochiasmatic area (RCA), where their function is poorly understood. Furthermore, the response of POMC neurons to leptin in females is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the differences in leptin responsiveness of POMC neurons in the ARC and the RCA using a mouse model allowing adult-inducible fluorescent labeling. We performed whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on 154 POMC neurons from male and female mice. We confirmed and extended the model by which leptin depolarizes POMC neurons, in both the ARC and the RCA. Furthermore, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of an underappreciated subpopulation representing ∼10% of hypothalamic POMC neurons that are inhibited by leptin. We also provide evidence that sex does not appear to be a major determinant of basal properties and leptin responsiveness of POMC neurons, but that females are overall less responsive to leptin compared to males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nader Srour
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Lavoie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Axelle Khouma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Moein Minbashi Moeini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Richard Kinkead
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie J Michael
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Flanigan ME, Gianessi C, Castle M, Dorlean W, Sides T, Kash TL. Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) neurons containing the serotonin 5HT 2c receptor modulate operant alcohol self-administration behavior in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559653. [PMID: 37808816 PMCID: PMC10557639 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The serotonin 5HT2c receptor has been widely implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly alcohol seeking and the affective consequences of chronic alcohol consumption. However, little is known about the brain sites in which 5HT2c exerts its effects on specific alcohol-related behaviors, especially in females. Here, we investigated the effects of site-specific manipulation of the 5HT2c receptor system in the BNST on operant alcohol self-administration behaviors in adult mice of both sexes, including the acquisition and maintenance of fixed-ratio responding, motivation for alcohol (progressive ratio), and quinine-adulterated responding for alcohol on a fixed-ratio schedule (punished alcohol seeking). Knockdown of 5HT2c in the BNST did not affect the acquisition or maintenance of operant alcohol self-administration, nor did it affect progressive ratio responding for alcohol. This manipulation had only a subtle effect on responding for quinine alcohol selectively in females. On the other hand, chemogenetic inhibition of BNST 5HT2c-containing neurons (BNST5HT2c) increased operant alcohol self-administration behavior in both sexes on day 2, but not day 9, of testing. It also increased operant responding for 1000 μM quinine-adulterated alcohol selectively in males. Importantly, chemogenetic inhibition of BNST5HT2c did not alter operant sucrose responding or motivation for sucrose in either sex. We then performed cell-type specific anterograde tracing, which revealed that BNST5HT2c project to similar regions in males and females, many of which have been previously implicated in AUD. We next used chemogenetics and quantification of the immediate early gene cFos to characterize the functional influence of BNST5HT2c inhibition on vlPAG activity. We show that chemogenetic inhibition of BNST5HT2c reduces vlPAG cFos in both sexes, but that this reduction is more robust in males. Together these findings suggest that BNST5HT2c neurons, and to a small extent the BNST 5HT2c receptor, serve to promote aversive responses to alcohol consumption, potentially through sex-dependent disinhibition of vlPAG neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E. Flanigan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carol Gianessi
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megan Castle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Winifred Dorlean
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tori Sides
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas L. Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee J, Kim WK. Applications of Enteroendocrine Cells (EECs) Hormone: Applicability on Feed Intake and Nutrient Absorption in Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2975. [PMID: 37760373 PMCID: PMC10525316 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182975] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the role of hormones derived from enteroendocrine cells (EECs) on appetite and nutrient absorption in chickens. In response to nutrient intake, EECs release hormones that act on many organs and body systems, including the brain, gallbladder, and pancreas. Gut hormones released from EECs play a critical role in the regulation of feed intake and the absorption of nutrients such as glucose, protein, and fat following feed ingestion. We could hypothesize that EECs are essential for the regulation of appetite and nutrient absorption because the malfunction of EECs causes severe diarrhea and digestion problems. The importance of EEC hormones has been recognized, and many studies have been carried out to elucidate their mechanisms for many years in other species. However, there is a lack of research on the regulation of appetite and nutrient absorption by EEC hormones in chickens. This review suggests the potential significance of EEC hormones on growth and health in chickens under stress conditions induced by diseases and high temperature, etc., by providing in-depth knowledge of EEC hormones and mechanisms on how these hormones regulate appetite and nutrient absorption in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shin Y, Kim S, Sohn JW. Serotonergic regulation of appetite and sodium appetite. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13328. [PMID: 37525500 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is synthesized and released from the brainstem raphe nuclei to affect many brain functions. It is well known that the activity of raphe serotonergic neurons is changed in response to the changes in feeding status to regulate appetite via the serotonin receptors. Likewise, changes in volume status are known to alter the activity of raphe serotonergic neurons and drugs targeting serotonin receptors were shown to affect sodium appetite. Therefore, the central serotonin system appears to regulate ingestion of both food and salt, although neural mechanisms that induce appetite in response to hunger and sodium appetite in response to volume depletion are largely distinct from each other. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge regarding the regulation of ingestion - appetite and sodium appetite - by the central serotonin system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurim Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seungjik Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sideri Gugger A, Dimino C, Panigrahi SK, Mayer L, Smiley RM, Korner J, Wardlaw SL. Defining Predictors of Weight Loss Response to Lorcaserin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2262-2271. [PMID: 36897161 PMCID: PMC10438887 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad139] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Individual responses to weight loss (WL) medications vary widely and prediction of response remains elusive. OBJECTIVE We investigated biomarkers associated with use of lorcaserin (LOR), a 5HT2cR agonist that targets proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis, to identify predictors of clinical efficacy. METHODS Thirty individuals with obesity were treated with 7 days of placebo and LOR in a randomized crossover study. Nineteen participants continued on LOR for 6 months. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) POMC peptide measurements were used to identify potential biomarkers that predict WL. Insulin, leptin, and food intake during a meal were also studied. RESULTS LOR induced a significant decrease in CSF levels of the POMC prohormone and an increase in its processed peptide β-endorphin after 7 days; β-endorphin/POMC increased by 30% (P < .001). This was accompanied by a substantial decrease in insulin, glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance before WL. Changes in CSF POMC peptides persisted after WL (6.9%) at 6 months that were distinct from prior reports after diet alone. Changes in POMC, food intake, or other hormones did not predict WL. However, baseline CSF POMC correlated negatively with WL (P = .07) and a cutoff level of CSF POMC was identified that predicted more than 10% WL. CONCLUSION Our results provide evidence that LOR affects the brain melanocortin system in humans and that effectiveness is increased in individuals with lower melanocortin activity. Furthermore, early changes in CSF POMC parallel WL-independent improvements in glycemic indexes. Thus, assessment of melanocortin activity could provide a way to personalize pharmacotherapy of obesity with 5HT2cR agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristea Sideri Gugger
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cara Dimino
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sunil K Panigrahi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Laurel Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Richard M Smiley
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Judith Korner
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sharon L Wardlaw
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Conde K, Fang S, Xu Y. Unraveling the serotonin saga: from discovery to weight regulation and beyond - a comprehensive scientific review. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:143. [PMID: 37550777 PMCID: PMC10408233 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide, while the development of effective obesity therapies lags behind. Although new therapeutic targets to alleviate obesity are identified every day, and drug efficacy is improving, adverse side effects and increased health risks remain serious issues facing the weight-loss industry. Serotonin, also known as 5-HT, has been extensively studied in relation to appetite reduction and weight loss. As a result, dozens of upstream and downstream neural targets of 5-HT have been identified, revealing a multitude of neural circuits involved in mediating the anorexigenic effect of 5-HT. Despite the rise and fall of several 5-HT therapeutics in recent decades, the future of 5-HT as a therapeutic target for weight-loss therapy looks promising. This review focuses on the history of serotonin, the state of current central serotonin research, previous serotonergic therapies, and the future of serotonin for treating individuals with obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Conde
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
| | - Shuzheng Fang
- College of Art and Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yoo ES, Sohn JW. Is Obesity Inherited? Htr2c variants in human obesity. Mol Cells 2023; 46:206-208. [PMID: 37021497 PMCID: PMC10086558 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Seon Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Przegaliński E, Witek K, Wydra K, Kotlińska JH, Filip M. 5-HT2C Receptor Stimulation in Obesity Treatment: Orthosteric Agonists vs. Allosteric Modulators. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061449. [PMID: 36986191 PMCID: PMC10058696 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a substantial health and economic issue, and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter system involved in the regulation of body weight. The 5-HT2C receptors (5-HT2CRs), one of 16 of the 5-HT receptor (5-HTRs) subtypes, play a significant role in food intake and body weight control. In this review, we focused on the 5-HTR agonists, such as fenfluramines, sibutramine, and lorcaserin, which act directly or indirectly at 5-HT2CRs and have been introduced into the clinic as antiobesity medications. Due to their unwanted effects, they were withdrawn from the market. The 5-HT2CR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) can be potentially safer active drugs than 5-HT2CR agonists. However, more in vivo validation of PAMs is required to fully determine if these drugs will be effective in obesity prevention and antiobesity pharmacology treatment. Methodology strategy: This review focuses on the role of 5-HT2CR agonism in obesity treatment, such as food intake regulation and weight gain. The literature was reviewed according to the review topic. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases and Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute open-access scientific journals using the following keyword search strategy depending on the chapter phrases: (1) “5-HT2C receptor” AND “food intake”, and (2) “5-HT2C receptor” AND “obesity” AND “respective agonists”, and (3) “5-HT2C receptor” AND “PAM”. We included preclinical studies (only present the weight loss effects) and double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials published since the 1975s (mostly related to antiobesity treatment), and excluded the pay-walled articles. After the search process, the authors selected, carefully screened, and reviewed appropriate papers. In total, 136 articles were included in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Przegaliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (K.W.); (K.W.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kacper Witek
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (K.W.); (K.W.); (M.F.)
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (K.W.); (K.W.); (M.F.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlińska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (K.W.); (K.W.); (M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roh E, Choi KM. Hormonal Gut-Brain Signaling for the Treatment of Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043384. [PMID: 36834794 PMCID: PMC9959457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain, particularly the hypothalamus and brainstem, monitors and integrates circulating metabolic signals, including gut hormones. Gut-brain communication is also mediated by the vagus nerve, which transmits various gut-derived signals. Recent advances in our understanding of molecular gut-brain communication promote the development of next-generation anti-obesity medications that can safely achieve substantial and lasting weight loss comparable to metabolic surgery. Herein, we comprehensively review the current knowledge about the central regulation of energy homeostasis, gut hormones involved in the regulation of food intake, and clinical data on how these hormones have been applied to the development of anti-obesity drugs. Insight into and understanding of the gut-brain axis may provide new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Roh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mook Choi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang L, Cheng Y, Zhu Y, Cui L, Li X. The Serotonergic System and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review of Current Evidence. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s10571-023-01320-0. [PMID: 36729314 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the premature death of motor neurons. Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neurotransmitter, and its dysfunction, whether as a contributor or by-product, has been implicated in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we summarize current evidence linking serotonergic alterations to ALS, including results from post-mortem and neuroimaging studies, biofluid testing, and studies of ALS animal models. We also discuss the possible role of 5-HT in modulating some important mechanisms of ALS (i.e. glutamate excitotoxity and neuroinflammation) and in regulating ALS phenotypes (i.e. breathing dysfunction and metabolic defects). Finally, we discuss the promise and limitations of the serotonergic system as a target for the development of ALS biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. However, due to a relative paucity of data and standardized methodologies in previous studies, proper interpretation of existing results remains a challenge. Future research is needed to unravel the mechanisms linking serotonergic pathways and ALS and to provide valid, reproducible, and translatable findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), The Transformation Medical Center of PUMC, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yanfei Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), The Transformation Medical Center of PUMC, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yicheng Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), The Transformation Medical Center of PUMC, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100005, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), The Transformation Medical Center of PUMC, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100005, China.,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), The Transformation Medical Center of PUMC, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100005, China. .,Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wagner S, Brierley DI, Leeson-Payne A, Jiang W, Chianese R, Lam BYH, Dowsett GKC, Cristiano C, Lyons D, Reimann F, Gribble FM, Martinez de Morentin PB, Yeo GSH, Trapp S, Heisler LK. Obesity medication lorcaserin activates brainstem GLP-1 neurons to reduce food intake and augments GLP-1 receptor agonist induced appetite suppression. Mol Metab 2023; 68:101665. [PMID: 36592795 PMCID: PMC9841057 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overweight and obesity are endemic in developed countries, with a substantial negative impact on human health. Medications developed to treat obesity include agonists for the G-protein coupled receptors glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1R; e.g. liraglutide), serotonin 2C (5-HT2CR; e.g, lorcaserin), and melanocortin4 (MC4R) which reduce body weight primarily by suppressing food intake. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic food intake suppressive effects are still being defined and were investigated here. METHODS We profiled PPG neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (PPGNTS) using single nucleus RNA sequencing (Nuc-Seq) and histochemistry. We next examined the requirement of PPGNTS neurons for obesity medication effects on food intake by virally ablating PPGNTS neurons. Finally, we assessed the effects on food intake of the combination of liraglutide and lorcaserin. RESULTS We found that 5-HT2CRs, but not GLP-1Rs or MC4Rs, were widespread in PPGNTS clusters and that lorcaserin significantly activated PPGNTS neurons. Accordingly, ablation of PPGNTS neurons prevented the reduction of food intake by lorcaserin but not MC4R agonist melanotan-II, demonstrating the functional significance of PPGNTS 5-HT2CR expression. Finally, the combination of lorcaserin with GLP-1R agonists liraglutide or exendin-4 produced greater food intake reduction as compared to either monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify a necessary mechanism through which obesity medication lorcaserin produces its therapeutic benefit, namely brainstem PPGNTS neurons. Moreover, these data reveal a strategy to augment the therapeutic profile of the current frontline treatment for obesity, GLP-1R agonists, via coadministration with 5-HT2CR agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Wagner
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Daniel I Brierley
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Wanqing Jiang
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Brian Y H Lam
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Georgina K C Dowsett
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David Lyons
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Giles S H Yeo
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefan Trapp
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Lora K Heisler
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lavoie O, Michael NJ, Caron A. A critical update on the leptin-melanocortin system. J Neurochem 2023; 165:467-486. [PMID: 36648204 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of leptin in 1994 was an "eureka moment" in the field of neurometabolism that provided new opportunities to better understand the central control of energy balance and glucose metabolism. Rapidly, a prevalent model in the field emerged that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons were key in promoting leptin's anorexigenic effects and that the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) was a key region for the regulation of energy homeostasis. While this model inspired many important discoveries, a growing body of literature indicates that this model is now outdated. In this review, we re-evaluate the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin model in light of recent advances that directly tackle previous assumptions, with a particular focus on the ARC. We discuss how segregated and heterogeneous these neurons are, and examine how the development of modern approaches allowing spatiotemporal, intersectional, and chemogenetic manipulations of melanocortin neurons has allowed a better definition of the complexity of the leptin-melanocortin system. We review the importance of leptin in regulating glucose homeostasis, but not food intake, through direct actions on ARC POMC neurons. We further highlight how non-POMC, GABAergic neurons mediate leptin's direct effects on energy balance and influence POMC neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lavoie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Natalie Jane Michael
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yoon NA, Jin S, Kim JD, Liu ZW, Sun Q, Cardone R, Kibbey R, Diano S. UCP2-dependent redox sensing in POMC neurons regulates feeding. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111894. [PMID: 36577374 PMCID: PMC9885759 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Paradoxically, glucose, the primary driver of satiety, activates a small population of anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Here, we show that lactate levels in the circulation and in the cerebrospinal fluid are elevated in the fed state and the addition of lactate to glucose activates the majority of POMC neurons while increasing cytosolic NADH generation, mitochondrial respiration, and extracellular pyruvate levels. Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenases diminishes mitochondrial respiration, NADH production, and POMC neuronal activity. However, inhibition of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier has no effect. POMC-specific downregulation of Ucp2 (Ucp2PomcKO), a molecule regulated by fatty acid metabolism and shown to play a role as transporter in the malate-aspartate shuttle, abolishes lactate- and glucose-sensing of POMC neurons. Ucp2PomcKO mice have impaired glucose metabolism and are prone to obesity on a high-fat diet. Altogether, our data show that lactate through redox signaling and blocking mitochondrial glucose utilization activates POMC neurons to regulate feeding and glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nal Ae Yoon
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sungho Jin
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jung Dae Kim
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhong Wu Liu
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Qiushi Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rebecca Cardone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Richard Kibbey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sabrina Diano
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yu M, Bean JC, Liu H, He Y, Yang Y, Cai X, Yu K, Pei Z, Liu H, Tu L, Conde KM, Wang M, Li Y, Yin N, Zhang N, Han J, Scarcelli NA, Xu P, He Y, Xu Y, Wang C. SK3 in POMC neurons plays a sexually dimorphic role in energy and glucose homeostasis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:170. [PMID: 36210455 PMCID: PMC9549684 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00907-2] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a sexually dimorphic role in body weight and glucose balance. However, the mechanisms for the sex differences in POMC neuron functions are not fully understood. RESULTS We detected small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) current in POMC neurons. Secondary analysis of published single-cell RNA-Seq data showed that POMC neurons abundantly express SK3, one SK channel subunit. To test whether SK3 in POMC neurons regulates POMC neuron functions on energy and glucose homeostasis, we used a Cre-loxP strategy to delete SK3 specifically from mature POMC neurons. POMC-specific deletion of SK3 did not affect body weight in either male or female mice. Interestingly, male mutant mice showed not only decreased food intake but also decreased physical activity, resulting in unchanged body weight. Further, POMC-specific SK3 deficiency impaired glucose balance specifically in female mice but not in male mice. Finally, no sex differences were detected in the expression of SK3 and SK current in total POMC neurons. However, we found higher SK current but lower SK3 positive neuron population in male POMC neurons co-expressing estrogen receptor α (ERα) compared to that in females. CONCLUSION These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of SK3 in POMC neurons in both energy and glucose homeostasis independent of body weight control, which was associated with the sex difference of SK current in a subpopulation of POMC + ERα + neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Jonathan C. Bean
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yang He
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Xing Cai
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Kaifan Yu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhou Pei
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Kristine M. Conde
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Mengjie Wang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Na Yin
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Junying Han
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nikolas A. Scarcelli
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Yanlin He
- grid.64337.350000 0001 0662 7451Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain glycemic and metabolism control department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
| | - Yong Xu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pei Z, He Y, Bean JC, Yang Y, Liu H, Yu M, Yu K, Hyseni I, Cai X, Liu H, Qu N, Tu L, Conde KM, Wang M, Li Y, Yin N, Zhang N, Han J, Potts CHS, Scarcelli NA, Yan Z, Xu P, Wu Q, He Y, Xu Y, Wang C. Gabra5 plays a sexually dimorphic role in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889122. [PMID: 36120438 PMCID: PMC9471380 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are important for the regulation of body weight and glucose balance. The inhibitory tone to POMC neurons is mediated primarily by the GABA receptors. However, the detailed mechanisms and functions of GABA receptors are not well understood. The α5 subunit of GABAA receptor, Gabra5, is reported to regulate feeding, and we found that Gabra5 is highly expressed in POMC neurons. To explore the function of Gabra5 in POMC neurons, we knocked down Gabra5 specifically from mature hypothalamic POMC neurons using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 strategy. This POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 did not affect body weight or food intake in either male or female mice. Interestingly, the loss of Gabra5 caused significant increases in the firing frequency and resting membrane potential, and a decrease in the amplitude of the miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) in male POMC neurons. However, the loss of Gabra5 only modestly decreased the frequency of mIPSC in female POMC neurons. Consistently, POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 significantly improved glucose tolerance in male mice but not in female mice. These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of Gabra5 in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance, independent of body weight control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Pei
- Department of Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yang He
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jonathan C. Bean
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hailan Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Meng Yu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kaifan Yu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ilirjana Hyseni
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xing Cai
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Na Qu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Longlong Tu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kristine M. Conde
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mengjie Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Na Yin
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nan Zhang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Junying Han
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Camille HS. Potts
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nikolas A. Scarcelli
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zili Yan
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Qi Wu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yanlin He
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Yong Xu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
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.
Collapse
|
33
|
Meier DT, Rachid L, Wiedemann SJ, Traub S, Trimigliozzi K, Stawiski M, Sauteur L, Winter DV, Le Foll C, Brégère C, Guzman R, Odermatt A, Böni-Schnetzler M, Donath MY. Prohormone convertase 1/3 deficiency causes obesity due to impaired proinsulin processing. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4761. [PMID: 35963866 PMCID: PMC9376086 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective insulin processing is associated with obesity and diabetes. Prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) is an endopeptidase required for the processing of neurotransmitters and hormones. PC1/3 deficiency and genome-wide association studies relate PC1/3 with early onset obesity. Here, we find that deletion of PC1/3 in obesity-related neuronal cells expressing proopiomelanocortin mildly and transiently change body weight and fail to produce a phenotype when targeted to Agouti-related peptide- or nestin-expressing tissues. In contrast, pancreatic β cell-specific PC1/3 ablation induces hyperphagia with consecutive obesity despite uncontrolled diabetes with glucosuria. Obesity develops not due to impaired pro-islet amyloid polypeptide processing but due to impaired insulin maturation. Proinsulin crosses the blood-brain-barrier but does not induce central satiety. Accordingly, insulin therapy prevents hyperphagia. Further, islet PC1/3 expression levels negatively correlate with body mass index in humans. In this work, we show that impaired PC1/3-mediated proinsulin processing, as observed in human prediabetes, promotes hyperphagic obesity. Defective insulin secretion is observed early in the development of diabetes. Here the authors report that β cell-specific deficiency of the insulin prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) leads not only to hyperglycemia, but also to hyperphagic obesity in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Meier
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Leila Rachid
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophia J Wiedemann
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shuyang Traub
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Trimigliozzi
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Stawiski
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Sauteur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Denise V Winter
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christelle Le Foll
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Brégère
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Guzman
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Böni-Schnetzler
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Y Donath
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cai Y, Li X, Zhou H, Zhou J. The serotonergic system dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:899069. [PMID: 35910256 PMCID: PMC9331500 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.899069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most peripheral serotonin (5-HT) is synthesized in enterochromaffin cells, and most circulating 5-HT is stored in platelets. As a monoamine, 5-HT has several functions in various non-neuronal and neuronal systems. In the central nervous system, it functions as a neurotransmitter to modulate feeding behavior and mood. Numerous clinical trials have focused on increasing 5-HT activation in the central nervous system, including those involving anti-obesity drugs currently in the market, although severe side effects on peripheral system can lead to the withdrawal of certain drugs. Recent studies have revealed that both the peripheral and central serotonergic systems play a vital role in diabetes and its complications. This review summarizes the roles of the serotonergic system in blood glucose regulation, diabetic macroangiopathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic encephalopathy, indicating its potential clinical significance as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Collapse
|
35
|
Haque N, Tischkau SA. Sexual Dimorphism in Adipose-Hypothalamic Crosstalk and the Contribution of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor to Regulate Energy Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147679. [PMID: 35887027 PMCID: PMC9322714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are fundamental sex differences in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of energy balance that account for this asymmetry will assist in developing sex-specific therapies for sexually dimorphic diseases such as obesity. Multiple organs, including the hypothalamus and adipose tissue, play vital roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis, which are regulated differently in males and females. Various neuronal populations, particularly within the hypothalamus, such as arcuate nucleus (ARC), can sense nutrient content of the body by the help of peripheral hormones such leptin, derived from adipocytes, to regulate energy homeostasis. This review summarizes how adipose tissue crosstalk with homeostatic network control systems in the brain, which includes energy regulatory regions and the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, contribute to energy regulation in a sex-specific manner. Moreover, development of obesity is contingent upon diet and environmental factors. Substances from diet and environmental contaminants can exert insidious effects on energy metabolism, acting peripherally through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Developmental AhR activation can impart permanent alterations of neuronal development that can manifest a number of sex-specific physiological changes, which sometimes become evident only in adulthood. AhR is currently being investigated as a potential target for treating obesity. The consensus is that impaired function of the receptor protects from obesity in mice. AhR also modulates sex steroid receptors, and hence, one of the objectives of this review is to explain why investigating sex differences while examining this receptor is crucial. Overall, this review summarizes sex differences in the regulation of energy homeostasis imparted by the adipose–hypothalamic axis and examines how this axis can be affected by xenobiotics that signal through AhR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazmul Haque
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA;
| | - Shelley A. Tischkau
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA;
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li L, Wyler SC, León-Mercado LA, Xu B, Oh Y, Swati, Chen X, Wan R, Arnold AG, Jia L, Wang G, Nautiyal K, Hen R, Sohn JW, Liu C. Delineating a serotonin 1B receptor circuit for appetite suppression in mice. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213337. [PMID: 35796804 PMCID: PMC9270184 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptans are a class of commonly prescribed antimigraine drugs. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role for them to suppress appetite in mice. In particular, frovatriptan treatment reduces food intake and body weight in diet-induced obese mice. Moreover, the anorectic effect depends on the serotonin (5-HT) 1B receptor (Htr1b). By ablating Htr1b in four different brain regions, we demonstrate that Htr1b engages in spatiotemporally segregated neural pathways to regulate postnatal growth and food intake. Moreover, Htr1b in AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) contributes to the hypophagic effects of HTR1B agonists. To further study the anorexigenic Htr1b circuit, we generated Htr1b-Cre mice. We find that ARH Htr1b neurons bidirectionally regulate food intake in vivo. Furthermore, single-nucleus RNA sequencing analyses revealed that Htr1b marks a subset of AgRP neurons. Finally, we used an intersectional approach to specifically target these neurons (Htr1bAgRP neurons). We show that they regulate food intake, in part, through a Htr1bAgRP→PVH circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Steven C. Wyler
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Luis A. León-Mercado
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Baijie Xu
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Youjin Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Swati
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Xiameng Chen
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Rong Wan
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Amanda G. Arnold
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Lin Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Guanlin Wang
- Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine Nautiyal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - René Hen
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea,Jong-Woo Sohn:
| | - Chen Liu
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Correspondence to Chen Liu:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu T, Xu Y, Yi CX, Tong Q, Cai D. The hypothalamus for whole-body physiology: from metabolism to aging. Protein Cell 2022; 13:394-421. [PMID: 33826123 PMCID: PMC9095790 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00834-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and aging are two important epidemic factors for metabolic syndrome and many other health issues, which contribute to devastating diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancers. The brain plays a central role in controlling metabolic physiology in that it integrates information from other metabolic organs, sends regulatory projections and orchestrates the whole-body function. Emerging studies suggest that brain dysfunction in sensing various internal cues or processing external cues may have profound effects on metabolic and other physiological functions. This review highlights brain dysfunction linked to genetic mutations, sex, brain inflammation, microbiota, stress as causes for whole-body pathophysiology, arguing brain dysfunction as a root cause for the epidemic of aging and obesity-related disorders. We also speculate key issues that need to be addressed on how to reveal relevant brain dysfunction that underlines the development of these disorders and diseases in order to develop new treatment strategies against these health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiemin Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, Zhongshan Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Yong Xu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Chun-Xia Yi
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qingchun Tong
- grid.453726.10000 0004 5906 7293Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Graduate Program in Neuroscience of MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Dongsheng Cai
- grid.251993.50000000121791997Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461 USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jais A, Brüning JC. Arcuate Nucleus-Dependent Regulation of Metabolism-Pathways to Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:314-328. [PMID: 34490882 PMCID: PMC8905335 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) receives information from afferent neurons, circulating hormones, and absorbed nutrients and integrates this information to orchestrate the actions of the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. Particularly the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) is of pivotal importance for primary sensing of adiposity signals, such as leptin and insulin, and circulating nutrients, such as glucose. Importantly, energy state-sensing neurons in the ARC not only regulate feeding but at the same time control multiple physiological functions, such as glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, and innate immune responses. These findings have defined them as master regulators, which adapt integrative physiology to the energy state of the organism. The disruption of this fine-tuned control leads to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure as well as deregulation of peripheral metabolism. Improving our understanding of the cellular, molecular, and functional basis of this regulatory principle in the CNS could set the stage for developing novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we summarize novel insights with a particular emphasis on ARC neurocircuitries regulating food intake and glucose homeostasis and sensing factors that inform the brain of the organismal energy status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jais
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, 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) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, 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) and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Daimon CM, Hentges ST. Inhibition of POMC neurons in mice undergoing activity-based anorexia selectively blunts food anticipatory activity without affecting body weight or food intake. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 322:R219-R227. [PMID: 35043681 PMCID: PMC8858678 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00313.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a debilitating eating disorder characterized by severely restricted eating and significant body weight loss. In addition, many individuals also report engaging in excessive exercise. Previous research using the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model has implicated the hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system. Using the ABA model, Pomc mRNA has been shown to be transiently elevated in both male and female rodents undergoing ABA. In addition, the POMC peptide β-endorphin appears to contribute to food anticipatory activity (FAA), a characteristic of ABA, as both deletion and antagonism of the µ opioid receptor (MOR) that β-endorphin targets, results in decreased FAA. The role of β-endorphin in reduced food intake in ABA is unknown and POMC neurons release multiple transmitters in addition to β-endorphin. In the current study, we set out to determine whether targeted inhibition of POMC neurons themselves rather than their peptide products would lessen the severity of ABA. Inhibition of POMC neurons during ABA via chemogenetic Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) technology resulted in reduced FAA in both male and female mice with no significant changes in body weight or food intake. The selective reduction in FAA persisted even in the face of concurrent chemogenetic inhibition of additional cell types in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. The results suggest that POMC neurons could be contributing preferentially to excessive exercise habits in patients with AN. Furthermore, the results also suggest that metabolic control during ABA appears to take place via a POMC neuron-independent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M. Daimon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Shane T. Hentges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
The complex interactions among serotonin, insulin, leptin, and glycolipid metabolic parameters in human obesity. CNS Spectr 2022; 27:99-108. [PMID: 32921339 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920001820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence to the link between serotonin (5-HT), energy metabolism, and the human obese phenotype, the present study investigated the binding and function of the platelet 5-HT transporter (SERT), in relation to circulating insulin, leptin, and glycolipid metabolic parameters. METHODS Seventy-four drug-free subjects were recruited on the basis of divergent body mass index (BMIs) (16.5-54.8 Kg/m2). All subjects were tested for their blood glycolipid profile together with platelet [3H]-paroxetine ([3H]-Par) binding and [3H]-5-HT reuptake measurements from April 1st to June 30th, 2019. RESULTS The [3H]-Par Bmax (fmol/mg proteins) was progressively reduced with increasing BMIs (P < .001), without changes in affinity. Moreover, Bmax was negatively correlated with BMI, waist/hip circumferences (W/HC), triglycerides (TD), glucose, insulin, and leptin, while positively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < .01). The reduction of 5-HT uptake rate (Vmax, pmol/min/109 platelets) among BMI groups was not statistically significant, but Vmax negatively correlated with leptin and uptake affinity values (P < .05). Besides, [3H]-Par affinity values positively correlated with glycemia and TD, while [3H]-5-HT reuptake affinity with glycemia only (P < .05). Finally, these correlations were specific of obese subjects, while, from multiple linear-regression analysis conducted on all subjects, insulin (P = .006) resulting negatively related to Bmax independently from BMI. CONCLUSIONS Present findings suggest the presence of a possible alteration of insulin/5-HT/leptin axis in obesity, differentially impinging the density, function, and/or affinity of the platelet SERT, as a result of complex appetite/reward-related interactions between the brain, gut, pancreatic islets, and adipose tissue. Furthermore, they support the foremost cooperation of peptides and 5-HT in maintaining energy homeostasis.
Collapse
|
41
|
Human loss-of-function variants in the serotonin 2C receptor associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior. Nat Med 2022; 28:2537-2546. [PMID: 36536256 PMCID: PMC9800280 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and receptor agonists are used to treat obesity, anxiety and depression. Here we studied the role of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) in weight regulation and behavior. Using exome sequencing of 2,548 people with severe obesity and 1,117 control individuals without obesity, we identified 13 rare variants in the gene encoding 5-HT2CR (HTR2C) in 19 unrelated people (3 males and 16 females). Eleven variants caused a loss of function in HEK293 cells. All people who carried variants had hyperphagia and some degree of maladaptive behavior. Knock-in male mice harboring a human loss-of-function HTR2C variant developed obesity and reduced social exploratory behavior; female mice heterozygous for the same variant showed similar deficits with reduced severity. Using the 5-HT2CR agonist lorcaserin, we found that depolarization of appetite-suppressing proopiomelanocortin neurons was impaired in knock-in mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that 5-HT2CR is involved in the regulation of human appetite, weight and behavior. Our findings suggest that melanocortin receptor agonists might be effective in treating severe obesity in individuals carrying HTR2C variants. We suggest that HTR2C should be included in diagnostic gene panels for severe childhood-onset obesity.
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang D, Hou X, Yang G, Li M, Zhang J, Han M, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Effects of the POMC System on Glucose Homeostasis and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Obesity and Diabetes. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:2939-2950. [PMID: 36186941 PMCID: PMC9521683 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s380577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus is indispensable in energy regulation and glucose homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that pro-opiomelanocortin neurons receive both central neuronal signals, such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, β-endorphin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, as well as sense peripheral signals such as leptin, insulin, adiponectin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucagon-like peptide-2, affecting glucose metabolism through their corresponding receptors and related signaling pathways. Abnormalities in these processes can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms by which these signal molecules fulfill their role remain unclear. Consequently, in this review, we explored the mechanisms of these hormones and signals on obesity and diabetes to suggest potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related metabolic diseases. Multi-drug combination therapy for obesity and diabetes is becoming a trend and requires further research to help patients to better control their blood glucose and improve their prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xintong Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guimei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengnan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Minmin Han
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Zhang, Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
- Yunfeng Liu, Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18703416196, Email
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
He Y, Cai X, Liu H, Conde KM, Xu P, Li Y, Wang C, Yu M, He Y, Liu H, Liang C, Yang T, Yang Y, Yu K, Wang J, Zheng R, Liu F, Sun Z, Heisler L, Wu Q, Tong Q, Zhu C, Shu G, Xu Y. 5-HT recruits distinct neurocircuits to inhibit hunger-driven and non-hunger-driven feeding. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7211-7224. [PMID: 34290371 PMCID: PMC8776930 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01220-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is primarily a consequence of consuming calories beyond energetic requirements, but underpinning drivers have not been fully defined. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons in the dorsal Raphe nucleus (5-HTDRN) regulate different types of feeding behavior, such as eating to cope with hunger or for pleasure. Here, we observed that activation of 5-HTDRN to hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (5-HTDRN → ARH) projections inhibits food intake driven by hunger via actions at ARH 5-HT2C and 5-HT1B receptors, whereas activation of 5-HTDRN to ventral tegmental area (5-HTDRN → VTA) projections inhibits non-hunger-driven feeding via actions at 5-HT2C receptors. Further, hunger-driven feeding gradually activates ARH-projecting 5-HTDRN neurons via inhibiting their responsiveness to inhibitory GABAergic inputs; non-hunger-driven feeding activates VTA-projecting 5-HTDRN neurons through reducing a potassium outward current. Thus, our results support a model whereby parallel circuits modulate feeding behavior either in response to hunger or to hunger-independent cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain Glycemic and Metabolism Control Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Xing Cai
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailan Liu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Krisitine M Conde
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Meng Yu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tingting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaifan Yu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rong Zheng
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Feng Liu
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lora Heisler
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Qi Wu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Canjun Zhu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong, China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Metz MJ, Daimon CM, King CM, Rau AR, Hentges ST. Individual arcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin neurons project to select target sites. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R982-R989. [PMID: 34755553 PMCID: PMC8714814 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00169.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) are a diverse group of neurons that project widely to different brain regions. It is unknown how this small population of neurons organizes its efferent projections. In this study, we hypothesized that individual ARH POMC neurons exclusively innervate select target regions. To investigate this hypothesis, we first verified that only a fraction of ARH POMC neurons innervate the lateral hypothalamus (LH), the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), the periaqueductal gray (PAG), or the ventral tegmental area (VTA) using the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B (CTB). Next, two versions of CTB conjugated to distinct fluorophores were injected bilaterally into two of the regions such that PVN and VTA, PAG and VTA, or LH and PVN received tracers simultaneously. These pairs of target sites were chosen based on function and location. Few individual ARH POMC neurons projected to two brain regions at once, suggesting that there are ARH POMC neuron subpopulations organized by their efferent projections. We also investigated whether increasing the activity of POMC neurons could increase the number of ARH POMC neurons labeled with CTB, implying an increase in new synaptic connections to downstream regions. However, chemogenetic enhancement of POMC neuron activity did not increase retrograde tracing of CTB back to ARH POMC neurons from either the LH, PVN, or VTA. Overall, subpopulations of ARH POMC neurons with distinct efferent projections may serve as a way for the POMC population to organize its many functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Metz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Caitlin M Daimon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Connie M King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Andrew R Rau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Shane T Hentges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Park J, Jeong W, Yun C, Kim H, Oh CM. Serotonergic Regulation of Hepatic Energy Metabolism. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2021; 36:1151-1160. [PMID: 34911172 PMCID: PMC8743581 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2021.1331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ that regulates systemic energy metabolism and many physiological functions. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease and end-stage liver failure. NAFLD is primarily caused by metabolic disruption of lipid and glucose homeostasis. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a biogenic amine with several functions in both the central and peripheral systems. 5-HT functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain and a hormone in peripheral tissues to regulate systemic energy homeostasis. Several recent studies have proposed various roles of 5-HT in hepatic metabolism and inflammation using tissue-specific knockout mice and 5-HT-receptor agonists/antagonists. This review compiles the most recent research on the relationship between 5-HT and hepatic metabolism, and the role of 5-HT signaling as a potential therapeutic target in NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju,
Korea
| | - Wooju Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju,
Korea
| | - Chahyeon Yun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju,
Korea
| | - Hail Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon,
Korea
| | - Chang-Myung Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju,
Korea
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dong Y, Carty J, Goldstein N, He Z, Hwang E, Chau D, Wallace B, Kabahizi A, Lieu L, Peng Y, Gao Y, Hu L, Betley JN, Williams KW. Time and metabolic state-dependent effects of GLP-1R agonists on NPY/AgRP and POMC neuronal activity in vivo. Mol Metab 2021; 54:101352. [PMID: 34626854 PMCID: PMC8590079 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), like liraglutide and semaglutide, are viable treatments for diabetes and obesity. Liraglutide directly activates hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons while indirectly inhibiting Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons ex vivo. While temporal control of GLP-1R agonist concentration as well as accessibility to tissues/cells can be achieved with relative ease ex vivo, in vivo this is dependent upon the pharmacokinetics of these agonists and relative penetration into structures of interest. Thus, whether liraglutide or semaglutide modifies the activity of POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons in vivo as well as mechanisms required for any changes in cellular activity remains undefined. METHODS In order to resolve this issue, we utilized neuron-specific transgenic mouse models to examine changes in the activity of POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons after injection of either liraglutide or semaglutide (intraperitoneal - I.P. and subcutaneous - S·C.). POMC and NPY/AgRP neurons were targeted for patch-clamp electrophysiology as well as in vivo fiber photometry. RESULTS We found that liraglutide and semaglutide directly activate and increase excitatory tone to POMC neurons in a time-dependent manner. This increased activity of POMC neurons required GLP-1Rs in POMC neurons as well as a downstream mixed cation channel comprised of TRPC5 subunits. We also observed an indirect upregulation of excitatory input to POMC neurons originating from glutamatergic cells that also required TRPC5 subunits. Conversely, GLP-1Ra's decreased excitatory input to and indirectly inhibited NPY/AgRP neurons through activation of K-ATP and TRPC5 channels in GABAergic neurons. Notably, the temporal activation of POMC and inhibition of NPY/AgRP neuronal activity after liraglutide or semaglutide was injected [either intraperitoneal (I.P.) or subcutaneous (S·C.)] was dependent upon the nutritional state of the animals (fed vs food-deprived). CONCLUSIONS Our results support a mechanism of liraglutide and semaglutide in vivo to activate POMC while inhibiting NPY/AgRP neurons, which depends upon metabolic state and mirrors the pharmacokinetic profile of these compounds in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Dong
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jamie Carty
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nitsan Goldstein
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhenyan He
- Department of Neurosurgery, the affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
| | - Eunsang Hwang
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Dominic Chau
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Briana Wallace
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anita Kabahizi
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Linh Lieu
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yunqian Peng
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yong Gao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Hu
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - J Nicholas Betley
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Kevin W Williams
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Caron A, Jane Michael N. New Horizons: Is Obesity a Disorder of Neurotransmission? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4872-e4886. [PMID: 34117881 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a disease of the nervous system. While some will view this statement as provocative, others will take it as obvious. Whatever our side is, the pharmacology tells us that targeting the nervous system works for promoting weight loss. It works, but at what cost? Is the nervous system a safe target for sustainable treatment of obesity? What have we learned-and unlearned-about the central control of energy balance in the last few years? Herein we provide a thought-provoking exploration of obesity as a disorder of neurotransmission. We discuss the state of knowledge on the brain pathways regulating energy homeostasis that are commonly targeted in anti-obesity therapy and explore how medications affecting neurotransmission such as atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines relate to body weight. Our goal is to provide the endocrine community with a conceptual framework that will help expending our understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity, a disease of the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie Jane Michael
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yoo ES, Li L, Jia L, Lord CC, Lee CE, Birnbaum SG, Vianna CR, Berglund ED, Cunningham KA, Xu Y, Sohn JW, Liu C. Gα i/o-coupled Htr2c in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus antagonizes the anorectic effect of serotonin agents. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109997. [PMID: 34788630 PMCID: PMC8636014 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The anorexigenic effect of serotonergic compounds has largely been attributed to activation of serotonin 2C receptors (Htr2cs). Using mouse genetic models in which Htr2c can be selectively deleted or restored (in Htr2c-null mice), we investigate the role of Htr2c in forebrain Sim1 neurons. Unexpectedly, we find that Htr2c acts in these neurons to promote food intake and counteract the anorectic effect of serotonergic appetite suppressants. Furthermore, Htr2c marks a subset of Sim1 neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Chemogenetic activation of these neurons in adult mice suppresses hunger, whereas their silencing promotes feeding. In support of an orexigenic role of PVH Htr2c, whole-cell patch-clamp experiments demonstrate that activation of Htr2c inhibits PVH neurons. Intriguingly, this inhibition is due to Gαi/o-dependent activation of ATP-sensitive K+ conductance, a mechanism of action not identified previously in the mammalian nervous system. Yoo et al. show that Htr2c, the target of a former weight loss drug, can inhibit and promote food intake by coupling with distinct intracellular signaling events in different hypothalamic neurons. These findings may help explain the rather modest anti-obesity effects of Htr2c agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Seon Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Li Li
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Jia
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Caleb C Lord
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Charlotte E Lee
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shari G Birnbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Claudia R Vianna
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eric D Berglund
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kathryn A Cunningham
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, 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, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Chen Liu
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
de Andrade Silva SC, da Silva AI, Braz GRF, da Silva Pedroza AA, de Lemos MDT, Sellitti DF, Lagranha C. Overfeeding during development induces temporally-dependent changes in areas controlling food intake in the brains of male Wistar rats. Life Sci 2021; 285:119951. [PMID: 34516994 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We sought to evaluate the effects of overfeeding during lactation on the feeding behavior and expression of specific regulatory genes in brain areas associated with food intake in 22- and 60-day old male rats. METHODS We evaluated body weight, food intake of standard and palatable diet, and mRNA expression of dopamine receptor D1 (DDR1), dopamine receptor (DDR2), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AGRP), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) transporter (SERT), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HT1B), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C receptor (5-HT2C), Clock (CLOK), cryptochrome protein 1 (Cry1) and period circadian protein homolog 2 (Per2) in the striatum, hypothalamus and brainstem of male rats at post-natal days (PND) 22 and 60. KEY FINDINGS Overfeeding resulted in significantly increased body weight through PND60, and a 2-fold increase in palatable food intake at PND22, but not at PND60. We observed significant increases in DDR1, DDR2, and MC4R gene expression in the striatum and brainstem and POMC/CART in the hypothalamus of the OF group at PND22 that were reversed by PND60. Hypothalamic levels of 5-HT1B, 5-HT2C and NPY/AGRP on the other hand were decreased at PND22 and increased at PND60 in OF animals. Clock genes were unaffected by OF at PND22, but were significantly elevated at PND60. SIGNIFICANCE Overfeeding during early development of the rat brain results in obesity and altered feeding behavior in early adulthood. The altered behavior might be the consequence of the changes in food intake and reward gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aline Isabel da Silva
- Neuropsychiatry and Behavior Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco -UFPE-Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Glauber Rudá Feitoza Braz
- Neuropsychiatry and Behavior Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco -UFPE-Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Donald F Sellitti
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Lagranha
- Neuropsychiatry and Behavior Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco -UFPE-Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Exercise Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ortuno MJ, Schneeberger M, Ilanges A, Marchildon F, Pellegrino K, Friedman JM, Ducy P. Melanocortin 4 receptor stimulation prevents anti-depressant-associated weight gain in mice caused by long-term fluoxetine exposure. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:151976. [PMID: 34673574 DOI: 10.1172/jci151976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrasting with the predicted anorexigenic effect of increasing brain serotonin signaling, long-term use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants correlates with body weight gain. This adverse outcome increases the risk of transitioning to obesity and interferes with treatment compliance. Here we show that orally administered fluoxetine (Flx), a widely prescribed SSRI, increased body weight by enhancing food intake in healthy mice at two different time points and through two distinct mechanisms. Within hours, Flx decreased the activity of a subset of brainstem serotonergic neurons by triggering autoinhibitory signaling through the Htr1a receptor. Upon longer treatment Flx blunted Htr2c expression/signaling, decreased the phosphorylation of Creb and Stat3 and dampened the production of POMC/α-MSH in hypothalamic neurons, thereby increasing food intake. Accordingly, exogenous stimulation of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) by co-treating mice with Flx and lipocalin-2, an anorexigenic hormone signaling through this receptor, normalized feeding and body weight. Flx and other SSRIs also inhibit CREB/STAT3 phosphorylation in a human neuronal cell line suggesting that these non-canonical effects could also occur in long-term users of SSRIs. By defining the molecular basis of the long-term SSRIs-associated weight gain this study proposes a therapeutic strategy to counter it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Ortuno
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Marc Schneeberger
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States of America
| | - Anoj Ilanges
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States of America
| | - François Marchildon
- Laboratory of Molecular Metabolism, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States of America
| | - Kyle Pellegrino
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, United States of America
| | - Patricia Ducy
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|