Research
Brainstem orexigenic neurons drive long-term energy balance via distributed hypothalamic circuits
Current Biology · By Jing Chen, Wanqi Chen, Yan Zhang, Qianqian Chen, Kaina Zhang, Suowen Xu & Cheng Zhan ·
The Brief
- Chen et al. identify NTSNPY neurons in the brainstem as an extra-hypothalamic population that drives feeding and long-term weight gain.
- NTSNPY neurons work in parallel with the hypothalamic ARCAgRP/NPY circuits.
- The study reports that fasting-activated NTSNPY neurons are required for post-fasting feeding.
Why it matters
It shows that energy balance is controlled by a brainstem circuit operating alongside the well-studied hypothalamic pathways, which may matter for research into obesity and appetite regulation.
Who’s affected
- obesity and feeding researchers
- neuroscientists studying hypothalamic and brainstem circuits
- #neuroscience
- #energy balance
- #feeding behavior
- #brainstem
- #hypothalamus
- #obesity
Chen et al. identify NTSNPY neurons as an extra-hypothalamic orexigenic population driving feeding and long-term weight gain. NTSNPY neurons function in parallel with ARCAgRP/NPY circuits. This study demonstrates that fasting-activated NTSNPY neurons are required for post-fasting…
Timeline
Study published in Current Biology
cell.com
Brainstem orexigenic neurons drive long-term energy balance via distributed hypothalamic circuits