Neurotensin neurons in the extended amygdala control dietary choice and energy homeostasis

Furlan, Alessandro, Corona, Alberto, Boyle, Sara, Sharma, Radhashree, Rubino, Rachel, Habel, Jill, Gablenz, Eva Carlotta, Giovanniello, Jacqueline, Beyaz, Semir, Janowitz, Tobias, Shea, Stephen David, Li, Bo (October 2022) Neurotensin neurons in the extended amygdala control dietary choice and energy homeostasis. Nature Neuroscience. ISSN 1097-6256

Abstract

Obesity is a global pandemic that is causally linked to many life-threatening diseases. Apart from some rare genetic conditions, the biological drivers of overeating and reduced activity are unclear. Here, we show that neurotensin-expressing neurons in the mouse interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure (IPAC), a nucleus of the central extended amygdala, encode dietary preference for unhealthy energy-dense foods. Optogenetic activation of IPACNts neurons promotes obesogenic behaviors, such as hedonic eating, and modulates food preference. Conversely, acute inhibition of IPACNts neurons reduces feeding and decreases hedonic eating. Chronic inactivation of IPACNts neurons recapitulates these effects, reduces preference for sweet, non-caloric tastants and, furthermore, enhances locomotion and energy expenditure; as a result, mice display long-term weight loss and improved metabolic health and are protected from obesity. Thus, the activity of a single neuronal population bidirectionally regulates energy homeostasis. Our findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat obesity.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: diseases & disorders > nutritional and metabolic diseases > obesity
CSHL Authors: [error in script]
Communities: CSHL labs > Beyaz lab
CSHL labs > Janowitz lab
CSHL labs > Li lab
CSHL labs > Shea lab
SWORD Depositor: CSHL Elements
Depositing User: CSHL Elements
Date: 20 October 2022
Date Deposited: 27 Oct 2022 02:53
Last Modified: 27 Oct 2022 02:53
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/40743

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