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Kang P, Wang AZX. Microbiota-gut-brain axis: the mediator of exercise and brain health. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2024; 4:kkae007. [PMID: 38756477 PMCID: PMC11096970 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The brain controls the nerve system, allowing complex emotional and cognitive activities. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional neural, hormonal, and immune signaling pathway that could link the gastrointestinal tract to the brain. Over the past few decades, gut microbiota has been demonstrated to be an essential component of the gastrointestinal tract that plays a crucial role in regulating most functions of various body organs. The effects of the microbiota on the brain occur through the production of neurotransmitters, hormones, and metabolites, regulation of host-produced metabolites, or through the synthesis of metabolites by the microbiota themselves. This affects the host's behavior, mood, attention state, and the brain's food reward system. Meanwhile, there is an intimate association between the gut microbiota and exercise. Exercise can change gut microbiota numerically and qualitatively, which may be partially responsible for the widespread benefits of regular physical activity on human health. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive method to show areas of brain activity enabling the delineation of specific brain regions involved in neurocognitive disorders. Through combining exercise tasks and fMRI techniques, researchers can observe the effects of exercise on higher brain functions. However, exercise's effects on brain health via gut microbiota have been little studied. This article reviews and highlights the connections between these three interactions, which will help us to further understand the positive effects of exercise on brain health and provide new strategies and approaches for the prevention and treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Kang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Sayar-Atasoy N, Aklan I, Yavuz Y, Laule C, Kim H, Rysted J, Alp MI, Davis D, Yilmaz B, Atasoy D. AgRP neurons encode circadian feeding time. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:102-115. [PMID: 37957320 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01482-6] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Food intake follows a predictable daily pattern and synchronizes metabolic rhythms. Neurons expressing agouti-related protein (AgRP) read out physiological energetic state and elicit feeding, but the regulation of these neurons across daily timescales is poorly understood. Using a combination of neuron dynamics measurements and timed optogenetic activation in mice, we show that daily AgRP-neuron activity was not fully consistent with existing models of homeostatic regulation. Instead of operating as a 'deprivation counter', AgRP-neuron activity primarily followed the circadian rest-activity cycle through a process that required an intact suprachiasmatic nucleus and synchronization by light. Imposing novel feeding patterns through time-restricted food access or periodic AgRP-neuron stimulation was sufficient to resynchronize the daily AgRP-neuron activity rhythm and drive anticipatory-like behavior through a process that required DMHPDYN neurons. These results indicate that AgRP neurons integrate time-of-day information of past feeding experience with current metabolic needs to predict circadian feeding time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilufer Sayar-Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Iltan Aklan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yavuz Yavuz
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Connor Laule
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jacob Rysted
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Muhammed Ikbal Alp
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Debbie Davis
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Bayram Yilmaz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Tang Q, Godschall E, Brennan CD, Zhang Q, Abraham-Fan RJ, Williams SP, Güngül TB, Onoharigho R, Buyukaksakal A, Salinas R, Sajonia IR, Olivieri JJ, Calhan OY, Deppmann CD, Campbell JN, Podyma B, Güler AD. Leptin receptor neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus input to the circadian feeding network. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9570. [PMID: 37624889 PMCID: PMC10456850 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Salient cues, such as the rising sun or availability of food, entrain biological clocks for behavioral adaptation. The mechanisms underlying entrainment to food availability remain elusive. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing during scheduled feeding, we identified a dorsomedial hypothalamus leptin receptor-expressing (DMHLepR) neuron population that up-regulates circadian entrainment genes and exhibits calcium activity before an anticipated meal. Exogenous leptin, silencing, or chemogenetic stimulation of DMHLepR neurons disrupts the development of molecular and behavioral food entrainment. Repetitive DMHLepR neuron activation leads to the partitioning of a secondary bout of circadian locomotor activity that is in phase with the stimulation and dependent on an intact suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Last, we found a DMHLepR neuron subpopulation that projects to the SCN with the capacity to influence the phase of the circadian clock. This direct DMHLepR-SCN connection is well situated to integrate the metabolic and circadian systems, facilitating mealtime anticipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Tang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Elizabeth Godschall
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Charles D. Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Sydney P. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Taha Buğra Güngül
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Roberta Onoharigho
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Aleyna Buyukaksakal
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Ricardo Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Isabelle R. Sajonia
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Joey J. Olivieri
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - O. Yipkin Calhan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Christopher D. Deppmann
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - John N. Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Brandon Podyma
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ali D. Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Tang Q, Godschall E, Brennan CD, Zhang Q, Abraham-Fan RJ, Williams SP, Güngül TB, Onoharigho R, Buyukaksakal A, Salinas R, Olivieri JJ, Deppmann CD, Campbell JN, Podyma B, Güler AD. A leptin-responsive hypothalamic circuit inputs to the circadian feeding network. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529901. [PMID: 36865258 PMCID: PMC9980144 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Salient cues, such as the rising sun or the availability of food, play a crucial role in entraining biological clocks, allowing for effective behavioral adaptation and ultimately, survival. While the light-dependent entrainment of the central circadian pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus, SCN) is relatively well defined, the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying entrainment associated with food availability remains elusive. Using single nucleus RNA sequencing during scheduled feeding (SF), we identified a leptin receptor (LepR) expressing neuron population in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) that upregulates circadian entrainment genes and exhibits rhythmic calcium activity prior to an anticipated meal. We found that disrupting DMHLepR neuron activity had a profound impact on both molecular and behavioral food entrainment. Specifically, silencing DMHLepR neurons, mis-timed exogenous leptin administration, or mis-timed chemogenetic stimulation of these neurons all interfered with the development of food entrainment. In a state of energy abundance, repetitive activation of DMHLepR neurons led to the partitioning of a secondary bout of circadian locomotor activity that was in phase with the stimulation and dependent on an intact SCN. Lastly, we discovered that a subpopulation of DMHLepR neurons project to the SCN with the capacity to influence the phase of the circadian clock. This leptin regulated circuit serves as a point of integration between the metabolic and circadian systems, facilitating the anticipation of meal times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Tang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Elizabeth Godschall
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Charles D. Brennan
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | | | - Sydney P. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Taha Buğra Güngül
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Roberta Onoharigho
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Aleyna Buyukaksakal
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Ricardo Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Joey J. Olivieri
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Christopher D. Deppmann
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - John N. Campbell
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Brandon Podyma
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ali D. Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Tang Q, Assali DR, Güler AD, Steele AD. Dopamine systems and biological rhythms: Let's get a move on. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:957193. [PMID: 35965599 PMCID: PMC9364481 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.957193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
How dopamine signaling regulates biological rhythms is an area of emerging interest. Here we review experiments focused on delineating dopamine signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and dorsal striatum to mediate a range of biological rhythms including photoentrainment, activity cycles, rest phase eating of palatable food, diet-induced obesity, and food anticipatory activity. Enthusiasm for causal roles for dopamine in the regulation of circadian rhythms, particularly those associated with food and other rewarding events, is warranted. However, determining that there is rhythmic gene expression in dopamine neurons and target structures does not mean that they are bona fide circadian pacemakers. Given that dopamine has such a profound role in promoting voluntary movements, interpretation of circadian phenotypes associated with locomotor activity must be differentiated at the molecular and behavioral levels. Here we review our current understanding of dopamine signaling in relation to biological rhythms and suggest future experiments that are aimed at teasing apart the roles of dopamine subpopulations and dopamine receptor expressing neurons in causally mediating biological rhythms, particularly in relation to feeding, reward, and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Tang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Dina R. Assali
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Ali D. Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Andrew D. Steele
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, United States
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A building block-based beam-break (B 5) locomotor activity monitoring system and its use in circadian biology research. Biotechniques 2022; 73:104-109. [PMID: 35848801 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2022-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotor activity is one of the most commonly assayed animal behaviors. It is the gold standard for assessing behavioral circadian rhythmicity. Here, we develop a flexible and affordable locomotor activity monitoring system that does not interfere with the behavior of animals. We validate the reliability of the system in multiple circadian biology research scenarios. This device is customizable and can be used for many animal species.
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In vivo functions of p75 NTR: challenges and opportunities for an emerging therapeutic target. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:772-788. [PMID: 34334250 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) functions at the molecular nexus of cell death, survival, and differentiation. In addition to its contribution to neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries, recent studies have revealed unanticipated roles of p75NTR in liver repair, fibrinolysis, lung fibrosis, muscle regeneration, and metabolism. Linking these various p75NTR functions more precisely to specific mechanisms marks p75NTR as an emerging candidate for therapeutic intervention in a wide range of disorders. Indeed, small molecule inhibitors of p75NTR binding to neurotrophins have shown efficacy in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neurodegeneration. Here, we outline recent advances in understanding p75NTR pleiotropic functions in vivo, and propose an integrated view of p75NTR and its challenges and opportunities as a pharmacological target.
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Podyma B, Parekh K, Güler AD, Deppmann CD. Metabolic homeostasis via BDNF and its receptors. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:488-499. [PMID: 33958275 PMCID: PMC8192464 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders result from dysregulation of central nervous system and peripheral metabolic energy homeostatic pathways. To maintain normal energy balance, neural circuits must integrate feedforward and feedback signals from the internal metabolic environment to orchestrate proper food intake and energy expenditure. These signals include conserved meal and adipocyte cues such as glucose and leptin, respectively, in addition to more novel players including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In particular, BDNF's two receptors, tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), are increasingly appreciated to be involved in whole body energy homeostasis. At times, these two receptors even seem to functionally oppose one another's actions, providing the framework for a potential neurotrophin mediated energy regulatory axis, which we explore further here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Podyma
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0738, USA.
| | - Kavya Parekh
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Ali D Güler
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Van Drunen R, Eckel-Mahan K. Circadian Rhythms of the Hypothalamus: From Function to Physiology. Clocks Sleep 2021; 3:189-226. [PMID: 33668705 PMCID: PMC7931002 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep3010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nearly ubiquitous expression of endogenous 24 h oscillations known as circadian rhythms regulate the timing of physiological functions in the body. These intrinsic rhythms are sensitive to external cues, known as zeitgebers, which entrain the internal biological processes to the daily environmental changes in light, temperature, and food availability. Light directly entrains the master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which lies in the hypothalamus of the brain and is responsible for synchronizing internal rhythms. However, recent evidence underscores the importance of other hypothalamic nuclei in regulating several essential rhythmic biological functions. These extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei also express circadian rhythms, suggesting distinct regions that oscillate either semi-autonomously or independent of SCN innervation. Concurrently, the extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei are also sensitized to fluctuations in nutrient and hormonal signals. Thus, food intake acts as another powerful entrainer for the hypothalamic oscillators' mediation of energy homeostasis. Ablation studies and genetic mouse models with perturbed extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei function reveal their critical downstream involvement in an array of functions including metabolism, thermogenesis, food consumption, thirst, mood and sleep. Large epidemiological studies of individuals whose internal circadian cycle is chronically disrupted reveal that disruption of our internal clock is associated with an increased risk of obesity and several neurological diseases and disorders. In this review, we discuss the profound role of the extra-SCN hypothalamic nuclei in rhythmically regulating and coordinating body wide functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Van Drunen
- MD Anderson UTHealth School Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston TX 77030, USA;
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristin Eckel-Mahan
- MD Anderson UTHealth School Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston TX 77030, USA;
- Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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