Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sujin Kim, Yunkwon Nam, Hyeon Soo Kim, Haram Jung, Seong Gak Jeon, Sang Bum Hong, Minho Moon
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease with cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Understanding and treating the alterations in neural circuits associated with these symptoms is crucial for AD treatment.
Article
Neurosciences
Chong Song, Wei Wei, Tong Wang, Min Zhou, Yunshi Li, Bing Xiao, Dongyi Huang, Junwei Gu, Linyong Shi, Junjie Peng, Dianshi Jin
Summary: This study explored the mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in rats with hypothalamic obesity, finding that microglial infiltration and synapse loss mediated by the LHA in the hypothalamic-hippocampal circuit may be the underlying mechanism for memory impairments in these rats.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Young Hee Lee, Yu-Been Kim, Kyu Sik Kim, Mirae Jang, Ha Young Song, Sang-Ho Jung, Dong-Soo Ha, Joon Seok Park, Jaegeon Lee, Kyung Min Kim, Deok-Hyeon Cheon, Inhyeok Baek, Min-Gi Shin, Eun Jeong Lee, Sang Jeong Kim, Hyung Jin Choi
Summary: The authors reveal that two distinct lateral hypothalamic leptin receptor neurons regulate seeking and consummatory phases of eating behaviour through Neuropeptide Y. Activation of these neurons promotes seeking or consummatory behaviours, while inhibition reduces consummatory behaviours. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets for maladaptive food seeking and consummatory behaviours.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Dongyu Wei, Takuya Osakada, Zhichao Guo, Takashi Yamaguchi, Avni Varshneya, Rongzhen Yan, Yiwen Jiang, Dayu Lin
Summary: Wei et al. have found that Esr1 cells in the mouse cMPOA encode the fighting capability of male opponents and suppress aggression towards superior opponents by inhibiting attack-mediating ventromedial hypothalamus cells. This study identifies the pathway from cMPOA(Esr1) cells to the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) as essential for modulating aggression in male mice. The activation of this pathway suppresses natural intermale aggression, while inactivating it increases aggression.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Abhinandan Khan, Goutam Saha, Rajat Kumar Pal
Summary: Gene regulatory networks exhibit biological robustness but can be affected by external perturbations, leading to unwanted signaling in the network. A proposed controller method aims to mitigate these effects by perturbing unaffected master regulators to restore the normal state of the most affected genes. Experimentation on benchmark networks shows promising results in reverting vulnerable genes to their normal expression levels.
IEEE-ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Zhang, Yan Li, Sijie Chen, Cuizhen Zhang, Lili Chen, Gang Peng
Summary: The disruption of the nr0b1 gene in zebrafish leads to abnormal hypothalamic functions, including altered expression of gonadotropins, reduced fertilization rate, and increased food intake. This study reveals that nr0b1 regulates neural progenitor proliferation and maintenance, and its loss affects specific neuron populations and the Notch signaling pathway in the hypothalamus.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Chaoyi Zhang, Hong Zhu, Zheyi Ni, Qiuhong Xin, Tingting Zhou, Runlong Wu, Guangping Gao, Zhihua Gao, Huan Ma, Haohong Li, Miao He, Jue Zhang, Heping Cheng, Hailan Hu
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of VIP and PV neuron activation in regulating winning behavior in social competition. The study also uncovers the sequential calcium activities initiated by VIP in the dmPFC microcircuit and the delayed activation of PV neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Luping Yin, Koichi Hashikawa, Yoshiko Hashikawa, Takuya Osakada, Julieta E. Lischinsky, Veronica Diaz, Dayu Lin
Summary: VMHvllCckar cells represent a key neural population that dynamically controls female sexual behaviors over the reproductive cycle.
Article
Neurosciences
Jee Yoon Bang, Julie Zhao, Mouly Rahman, Sophie St-Cyr, Patrick O. O. McGowan, Jun Chul Kim
Summary: The study reveals the important role of hippocampal input to the hypothalamus in modulating stress responses through affecting neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. Intervening in this pathway can alter corticosterone release and stress-induced anxiety behaviors. Chronic inhibition of certain hypothalamic cells may lead to cognitive impairments.
FRONTIERS IN NEURAL CIRCUITS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ariane C. Boehm, Anja B. Friedrich, Sydney Hunt, Paul Bandow, K. P. Siju, Jean Francois De Backer, Julia Claussen, Marie Helen Link, Thomas F. Hofmann, Corinna Dawid, Ilona C. Grunwald Kadow, Sonia Sen
Summary: Through studying fruit flies, it has been found that mating does not bring about a global change in brain activity, but instead modulates the pheromone response of dopaminergic neurons in the mushroom body, the learning and memory center of the fly. The odor environment at the time of mating can have a long-lasting influence on female perception and choice behavior, and dopaminergic neurons play a crucial role in the lasting increase in polyamine preference.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tingting Wang, Limin Wu, Qiuying Chen, Kuiyu Chen, Fang Tan, Jiabo Liu, Xiang Liu, Hui Han
Summary: This study found that copper deposition in Wilson's disease leads to reduced male fertility by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the ERK signal in the hypothalamic-pituitary region, impairing reproductive neuroendocrine hormone release.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Yinghong Zong, Limei Wu, Dongping Wu, Jing Jiang, Shimei Yang
Summary: The study explored the application value of double X-ray image based on neural network in the intervention of neonatal noninfectious abdominal distention and compared the efficacy of deep-water proteolytic milk powder and parenteral nutrition. Using convolution neural network improved the accuracy and speed of X-ray image registration significantly. Deep hydrolyzed protein milk powder showed remarkable therapeutic effect on neonates with noninfectious abdominal distention, fast recovery, and low incidence of feeding intolerance, proving to be safe and reliable in clinical application.
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMING
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria J. Gonzalez-Rellan, Eva Novoa, Natalia da Silva Lima, Amaia Rodriguez, Christelle Veyrat-Durebex, Samuel Seoane, Begona Porteiro, Marcos F. Fondevila, Uxia Fernandez, Marta Varela-Rey, Ana Senra, Cristina Iglesias, Adriana Escudero, Miguel Fidalgo, Diana Guallar, Roman Perez-Fernandez, Vincent Prevot, Markus Schwaninger, Miguel Lopez, Carlos Dieguez, Roberto Coppari, Gema Fruhbeck, Ruben Nogueiras
Summary: The transcription factor p63 plays a key role in glucose metabolism by regulating SIRT1 and affecting blood glucose levels, thus influencing glucose homeostasis.
Article
Cell Biology
Monica Imbernon, Chiara Saponaro, Hans Christian Cederberg Helms, Manon Duquenne, Daniela Fernandois, Eleonora Deligia, Raphael G. P. Denis, Daniela Herrera Moro Chao, Sowmyalakshmi Rasika, Bart Staels, Francois Pattou, Frank W. Pfrieger, Birger Brodin, Serge Luquet, Caroline Bonner, Vincent Prevot
Summary: Liraglutide is transported to the hypothalamus by specialized ependymoglial cells called tanycytes, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Silencing GLP1R in tanycytes or inhibiting tanycytic transport blocks the effects of liraglutide on hypothalamic neurons and its anti-obesity effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Cecon, Daniela Fernandois, Nicolas Renault, Caio Fernando Ferreira Coelho, Jan Wenzel, Corentin Bedart, Charlotte Izabelle, Sarah Gallet, Sophie Le Poder, Bernard Klonjkowski, Markus Schwaninger, Vincent Prevot, Julie Dam, Ralf Jockers
Summary: Melatonin and its derivatives can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering the brain, reducing virus-induced damage to cerebral vessels and brain inflammation. This has potential therapeutic implications for preventing long-term neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mauro S. B. Silva, Laurine Decoster, Sara Trava, Nour E. H. Mimouni, Virginia Doi, Konstantina Chachlaki, Qiang Yu, Ulrich Boehm, Vincent Prevot, Paolo Giacobini
Summary: Women with PCOS experience decreased sexual arousal, desire, and satisfaction, which is associated with a loss of nNOS-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Roa, Miguel Ruiz-Cruz, Francisco Ruiz-Pino, Rocio Onieva, Maria J. Vazquez, Maria J. Sanchez-Tapia, Jose M. Ruiz-Rodriguez, Veronica Sobrino, Alexia Barroso, Violeta Heras, Inmaculada Velasco, Cecilia Perdices-Lopez, Claes Ohlsson, Maria Soledad Avendano, Vincent Prevot, Matti Poutanen, Leonor Pinilla, Francisco Gaytan, Manuel Tena-Sempere
Summary: Research shows that Kiss1 neurons play an essential role in puberty and fertility, and the miRNA biosynthesis in these neurons is crucial for the completion of puberty and fertility, especially in females.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Mariam Rusidze, Melanie C. Faure, Pierre Sicard, Isabelle Raymond-Letron, Frank Giton, Emilie Vessieres, Vincent Prevot, Daniel Henrion, Jean-Francois Arnal, Charlotte A. Cornil, Francoise Lenfant
Summary: The study investigated the physiological role of membrane ERα in the female reproductive system, revealing its impact on embryonic development and pregnancy progression, potentially offering new insights into human pregnancy-associated pathologies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Manfredi-Lozano, Valerie Leysen, Michela Adamo, Isabel Paiva, Renaud Rovera, Jean-Michel Pignat, Fatima Ezzahra Timzoura, Michael Candlish, Sabiha Eddarkaoui, Samuel A. Malone, Mauro S. B. Silva, Sara Trova, Monica Imbernon, Laurine Decoster, Ludovica Cotellessa, Manuel Tena-Sempere, Marc Claret, Ariane Paoloni-Giacobino, Damien Plassard, Emmanuelle Paccou, Nathalie Vionnet, James Acierno, Aleksandra Maleska Maceski, Antoine Lutti, Frank Pfrieger, S. Rasika, Federico Santoni, Ulrich Boehm, Philippe Ciofi, Luc Buee, Nasser Haddjeri, Anne-Laurence Boutillier, Jens Kuhle, Andrea Messina, Bogdan Draganski, Paolo Giacobini, Nelly Pitteloud, Vincent Prevot
Summary: Currently, there is no viable treatment for cognitive and olfactory deficits in Down syndrome (DS). This study shows that a decrease in the expression of a master molecule controlling reproduction-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus and other areas is closely associated with progressive nonreproductive neurological symptoms in a DS mouse model. Additionally, restoring physiological GnRH levels through various interventions can alleviate cognitive and olfactory defects in mice, while pulsatile GnRH therapy improves cognition and brain connectivity in adult DS patients.
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vincent Prevot, Ruben Nogueiras
Summary: Food odour recognition is involved in food anticipatory response. A study in Nature Metabolism explains how the olfactory system regulates metabolic adaptations based on energy availability. These effects are controlled by a brain circuit involving the melanocortin system, which regulates systemic lipid utilization through the sympathetic nervous system.
NATURE REVIEWS ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Vincent Prevot, Manuel Tena-Sempere, Nelly Pitteloud
Summary: Pulsatile secretion of GnRH is essential for the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and is involved in brain maturation, odor discrimination, and cognition. This review highlights the importance of the first postnatal activation of GnRH, known as minipuberty, for reproductive and nonreproductive functions. Additionally, it discusses the potential therapeutic effects of pulsatile GnRH therapy in neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders and pathological aging.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Adrian Coutteau-Robles, Vincent Prevot, Ariane Sharif
Summary: The third ventricle wall of the tuberal hypothalamus is composed of two types of cells: tanycytes located ventrally and ependymocytes dorsally. Tanycytes are key players in regulating major hypothalamic functions. While our understanding of adult tanycytes is advancing, their development is still largely unknown.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Vincent Prevot, Anne Duittoz
Summary: Pulsatile secretion of GnRH is essential for the activation and maintenance of the HPG axis, controlling puberty and fertility. Recent studies suggest that GnRH neurons also play a role in postnatal brain maturation, odor discrimination, and adult cognition. This review discusses the potential risks of GnRH therapies and immunization on olfactory and cognitive performances in domestic animals, and highlights the therapeutic potential of restoring physiological GnRH levels for managing behavioral syndromes in older dogs.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Florent Sauve, Sreekala Nampoothiri, Sophie A. Clarke, Daniela Fernandois, Caio Fernando Ferreira Coelho, Julie Dewisme, Edouard G. Mills, Gaetan Ternier, Ludovica Cotellessa, Cristina Iglesias-Garcia, Helge Mueller-Fielitz, Thibaud Lebouvier, Romain Perbet, Vincent Florent, Marc Baroncini, Ariane Sharif, June Ereno-Orbea, Maria Mercado-Gomez, Asis Palazon, Virginie Mattot, Florence Pasquier, Sophie Catteau-Jonard, Maria Martinez-Chantar, Erik Hrabovszky, Merce Jourdain, Dominique Deplanque, Annamaria Morelli, Giulia Guarnieri, Laurent Storme, Cyril Robil, Francois Trottein, Ruben Nogueiras, Markus Schwaninger, Pascal Pigny, Julien Poissy, Konstantina Chachlaki, Claude-Alain Maurage, Paolo Giacobini, Waljit Dhillo, S. Rasika, Vincent Prevot
Summary: There may be a connection between post-COVID symptoms and the loss of GnRH, which could lead to cognitive decline and other neurological symptoms. Research suggests that the decrease in testosterone levels in some COVID-19 patients may originate from the hypothalamus and be associated with cognitive or neurological symptoms. Infection of the olfactory sensory neurons and hypothalamic glia by the SARS-CoV-2 virus could result in abnormalities of the GnRH system. Furthermore, fetal olfactory and GnRH neurons may be susceptible to viral infection.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tori Lhomme, Vincent Prevot
Summary: This article presents a protocol for tanycyte-neuron paired whole-cell patch-clamp recording in living mouse brain slices. It provides detailed steps for mice generation, solution preparation, and dissection, as well as the realization of slices and patch-clamp recordings. The protocol can be adapted to study metabolic coupling between tanycytes and any neuronal population.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sreekala Nampoothiri, Ruben Nogueiras, Markus Schwaninger, Vincent Prevot
Summary: This review discusses the key role glial cells play in regulating energy balance, emphasizing their relevance in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. Glial cells, located at the interface of blood vessels and neurons, participate in integrating and transmitting peripheral signals to neuronal networks in the brain for whole-body metabolism control. Metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes can disrupt the communication mediated by glial cells between the brain and the periphery, highlighting the importance of these cell types in the pathophysiology of such complications.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Veronica Pena-Leon, Cintia Folgueira, Silvia Barja-Fernandez, Raquel Perez-Lois, Natalia Da Silva Lima, Marion Martin, Violeta Heras, Sara Martinez-Martinez, Paola Valero, Cristina Iglesias, Mannon Duquenne, Omar Al-Massadi, Daniel Beiroa, Yara Souto, Miguel Fidalgo, Rasika Sowmyalakshmi, Diana Guallar, Juan Cunarro, Cecilia Castelao, Ana Senra, Patricia Gonzalez-Saenz, Rocio Vazquez-Cobela, Rosaura Leis, Guadalupe Sabio, Helge Mueller-Fielitz, Markus Schwaninger, Miguel Lopez, Sulay Tovar, Felipe F. Casanueva, Emmanuel Valjent, Carlos Dieguez, Vincent Prevot, Ruben Nogueiras, Luisa M. Seoane
Summary: Delayed weaning can protect rats from diet-induced obesity in adulthood by increasing thermogenesis and energy expenditure. This protective mechanism is mediated by liver-produced FGF21 signaling to the hypothalamus.