Topic: brown adipose tissue

The preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus has garnered attention regarding its pivotal role in energy balance control and thermoregulation. Activation or inhibition of specific POA neurons has been shown to affect body temperature, locomotor activity and energy expenditure. To gain novel insights into this regulatory mechanism, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of a distinct neuronal cluster within the POA that express the neuropeptide prepronociceptin (PNOC). Using chemogenetic techniques, we selectively activated PNOC(POA) neurons of mice and observed a significant reduction in br

Hypothalamus is the center of energy metabolism and feeding behavior, and several hypothalamic neurotransmitters regulate energy homeostasis. Neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL) and neurosecretory protein GM (NPGM), were discovered as a novel neuropeptide from hypothalamus in 2014, induced obese phenotype owing to increased feeding behavior and lipogenesis in rats. However, the mechanisms of energy metabolism mediated by NPGL/NPGM system has not been totally elucidated. To investigate the loss of function of NPGL/NPGM system in mammals, we have established NPGL and NPGM double knockout mice (NPGL

Thermogenesis is a vital physiological process that contributes to maintaining energy homeostasis, metabolic health, and adaptation to environmental changes. Central for metabolic regulation is the hypothalamus, orchestrating a diverse array of neuroendocrine systems. Within this intricate network, the role of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurons of the hypothalamus is unknown. Our project aimed to delineate TRH populations implicated in modulating brown adipose tissue (BAT)-derived thermogenesis. Employing an exploratory approach utilizing retrograde tracers from BAT, we pinpointed thr