Article
Neurosciences
Mark A. Rossi, Marcus L. Basiri, Yuejia Liu, Yoshiko Hashikawa, Koichi Hashikawa, Lief E. Fenno, Yoon Seok Kim, Charu Ramakrishnan, Karl Deisseroth, Garret D. Stuber
Summary: The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) contains distinct populations of glutamatergic neurons that project to different brain regions, with neurons projecting to the lateral habenula (LHb) or ventral tegmental area (VTA) showing anatomical, transcriptional, electrophysiological, and functional differences. Neurons projecting to the LHb are particularly sensitive to satiety state and feeding hormones, indicating differential processing of reward and aversion stimuli in divergent efferent pathways.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junewoo Na, Byong Seo Park, Doohyeong Jang, Donggue Kim, Thai Hien Tu, Youngjae Ryu, Chang Man Ha, Marco Koch, Sungchil Yang, Jae Geun Kim, Sunggu Yang
Summary: This study extensively characterizes the AgRP, POMC, and dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc). The distinct anatomical and physiological properties of these neurons in response to appetite-regulating hormones are identified. This research highlights the importance of hypothalamic Arc neurons in appetite control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Justin N. Siemian, Miguel A. Arenivar, Sarah Sarsfield, Cara B. Borja, Charity N. Russell, Yeka Aponte
Summary: Research shows that a subpopulation of LH GABAergic neurons expressing leptin receptors specifically drives appetitive behaviors in mice, while their ablation does not affect weight gain and food intake. Both groups of neurons in the LH can modulate reward-related behaviors, but only LHVGAT neurons impact feeding, and LHLEPR neurons can discriminate conditioned cues in Pavlovian paradigms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Sotelo, Jean Tyan, Chelsea Markunas, Bibi A. Sulaman, Lorraine Horwitz, Hankyu Lee, Joshua G. Morrow, Gideon Rothschild, Bo Duan, Ada Eban-Rothschild
Summary: The transition from wakefulness to sleep involves specific behaviors, such as nest-building and grooming, which are associated with stereotypic electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. The ability to build a nest promotes sleep initiation and consolidation, while the lack of nesting material disrupts sleep. Neuronal ensembles in the lateral hypothalamus regulate the motivation to engage in nest-building behavior and control sleep initiation and intensity.
Article
Cell Biology
Anne Petzold, Hanna Elin van den Munkhof, Rebecca Figge-Schlensok, Tatiana Korotkova
Summary: By studying freely behaving mice using calcium imaging, optogenetics, and chemogenetics, researchers found that two neuronal populations in the lateral hypothalamus guide hungry animals to make behavioral choices between nutritional and social rewards. One population of neurons increased food consumption by inhibiting hunger signals, while the other population limited feeding and drinking and promoted social interaction despite hunger or thirst. These findings shed light on the neuronal mechanisms of balancing competing needs and provide insights into the flexible fulfillment of essential needs in animals.
Review
Physiology
Yue Deng, Guorui Deng, Justin L. Grobe, Huxing Cui
Summary: Obesity is commonly associated with sympathetic overdrive, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream signaling pathways in distinct hypothalamic neurons plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, metabolic homeostasis, and sympathetic control of cardiovascular function.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fei Luo, Jun -yang Deng, Xuan Sun, Jian Zhen, Xiao-dan Luo
Summary: Early-life stress has long-term impacts on the structure and function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and raises the risk of adult neuropsychiatric disorders including social dysfunction. Maternal separation (MS) during the first three postnatal weeks in female mice leads to social impairment accompanied by hypo-activity in pyramidal neurons (PNs) of the ACC. Activation of ACC PNs improves MS-induced social impairment. The down-regulation of neuropeptide Hcrt, which encodes hypocretin (orexin), is observed in the ACC of MS females. Activation of ACC orexin terminals enhances the activity of ACC PNs and restores the diminished sociability in MS females through an orexin receptor 2 (OxR2)-dependent mechanism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Catherine S. Thomas, Aida Mohammadkhani, Madiha Rana, Min Qiao, Corey Baimel, Stephanie L. Borgland
Summary: Reward and reinforcement processes are critical for survival and propagation of genes, with mesolimbic dopamine playing a central role. Optogenetic stimulation of orexin/dynorphin inputs in the VTA potentiates dopamine release in the NAc core, resulting in real time and conditioned place preference as well as increased food cue-directed orientation. While dynorphin contributes to aversive conditioning, the rewarding effects of LH orexin/dynorphin stimulation in the VTA are primarily driven by orexin rather than dynorphin.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Can Wang, Meiyu Chen, Chuan Qin, Xiaoyi Qu, Xueyong Shen, Sheng Liu
Summary: The study found that acupuncture-induced pain relief can result in a rewarding effect, and the orexin signaling in the lateral hypothalamus plays a critical role in this process.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Louisa E. Linders, Lefkothea Patrikiou, Mariano Soiza-Reilly, Evelien H. S. Schut, Bram F. van Schaffelaar, Leonard Boger, Inge G. Wolterink-Donselaar, Mieneke C. M. Luijendijk, Roger A. H. Adan, Frank J. Meye
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between stress and eating behavior and identifies the neural mechanisms involved. It shows that stress strengthens the connection between the lateral hypothalamus and the dopamine system, leading to overconsumption of high-caloric food.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Fang Zhou, Dan Wang, Huiming Li, Sa Wang, Xinxin Zhang, Ao Li, Tingting Tong, Haixing Zhong, Qianzi Yang, Hailong Dong
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of the orexinergic projections from the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) to the lateral habenula (LHb) on unconsciousness induced by general anesthesia. The results showed that activation of the LHA-LHb pathway promoted emergence and reduced the depth of anesthesia during sevoflurane anesthesia. This effect was mediated by GAD2-expressing GABA neurons.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song-Yu Li, Jing-Juan Cao, Kang Tan, Liu Fan, Ya-Qian Wang, Zi-Xuan Shen, Shuai-Shuai Li, Chao Wu, Hui Zhou, Hua-Tai Xu
Summary: Food cues play a pivotal role in triggering physiological responses and have a critical impact on obesity risk. This study revealed the crucial role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area in promoting feeding behaviors in mice. The research also identified downstream targets and emphasized the involvement of CRH neuropeptide in orchestrating this regulatory network.
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)
Review
Neurosciences
Mark A. Rossi
Summary: The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) regulates energy balance through complex connections with other brain regions, leveraging distinct neuron populations. Recent studies have identified at least 30 different LHA neuron types, some of which influence specific aspects of energy homeostasis. This review highlights the emerging evidence from cell-type-specific investigations and proposes outstanding questions for future research.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuchu Liu, Ji-an Wei, Zhihua Luo, Jing Cui, Yifan Luo, Sarah Oi Kwan Mak, Siqi Wang, Fengwei Zhang, Yan Yang, Kwok-Fai So, Lingling Shi, Li Zhang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow
Summary: Salt homeostasis is regulated by neural circuits and peripheral endocrine factors. The colon, a primary site for electrolyte absorption, might play a role in modulating sodium intake. This study discovered that the gastrointestinal hormone secretin, released from colon endocrine cells during sodium deficiency, is crucial for inducing salt appetite. Circulating secretin activates specific receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tracts, which in turn activates the downstream para-ventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, resulting in increased sodium intake. These findings reveal a previously unknown gut-brain pathway for the timely regulation of sodium homeostasis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Larry W. Swanson, Olaf Sporns, Joel D. Hahn
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2019)
Article
Neurosciences
Clarissa M. Liu, Elizabeth A. Davis, Andrea N. Suarez, Ruth Wood, Emily E. Noble, Scott E. Kanoski
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Larry W. Swanson, Joel D. Hahn
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Joel D. Hahn, Larry W. Swanson, Ian Bowman, Nicholas N. Foster, Brian Zingg, Michael S. Bienkowski, Houri Hintiryan, Hong-Wei Dong
Summary: This study presents flatmaps of the mouse, rat, and human brain, with enhanced representations of the nervous system components and different stages of rat brain development. These flatmaps serve as a neuroscience toolbox for researchers, facilitating comparative analysis of brain data.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Larry W. Swanson, Joel D. Hahn, Olaf Sporns
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ted M. Hsu, Paula Bazzino, Samantha J. Hurh, Vaibhav R. Konanur, Jamie D. Roitman, Mitchell F. Roitman
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magen N. Lord, Keshav Subramanian, Scott E. Kanoski, Emily E. Noble
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms through which the brain regulates energy balance, particularly the role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), is crucial given the increasing prevalence of obesity. Research has provided insight into how MCH stimulates food intake through neural pathways, with recent advancements revealing novel mechanisms. Specifically, the hyperphagic effects of MCH signaling are mediated through enhancing an appetition process.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clarissa M. Liu, Mai O. Spaulding, Jessica J. Rea, Emily E. Noble, Scott E. Kanoski
Summary: Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus, reduces food intake and holds potential for obesity treatment. Research in rodent models suggests that oxytocin reduces food intake by enhancing physiological satiation signals within meals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pawel K. Olszewski, Emily E. Noble, Luis Paiva, Yoichi Ueta, James E. Blevins
Summary: Oxytocin plays an important role in regulating food intake and energy balance, primarily by limiting meal size through interactions in key brain areas governing food intake. The effects of oxytocin on feeding are influenced by diet composition, flavor, and social context. Additionally, oxytocin also affects lipolysis, energy expenditure, and glucose regulation, contributing to its overall impact on energy balance.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Magen N. Lord, Jun-Won Heo, Albino G. Schifino, Jessica R. Hoffman, Kristen N. Donohue, Jarrod A. Call, Emily E. Noble
Summary: The study found that male and female rodents exhibit sex-specific macronutrient preferences on a Western diet, with males showing impaired hippocampal functioning and a tendency towards high membrane potential in hippocampal mitochondria, while females oxidize more fat and carbohydrates in the hypothalamus.
Article
Neurosciences
Joel D. Hahn, Lei Gao, Tyler Boesen, Lin Gou, Houri Hintiryan, Hong-Wei Dong
Summary: This study investigated the neuronal connections of the lateral preoptic area (LPO) and the caudally adjacent lateral hypothalamic area anterior region (LHAa) in mice. The results showed highly diverse connections of these hypothalamic regions with over 200 gray matter regions spanning the forebrain, midbrain, and rhombicbrain. These connections are associated with various functions including reward prediction, innate survival behaviors, and affect.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Emily E. Noble
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Larry W. Swanson, Joel D. Hahn, Olaf Sporns
Summary: This study created and analyzed a rat hierarchical structure-function subsystem model of neural connectivity in the rostral sector using network science tools. The effects of focal perturbations on the network's modular organization were systematically mapped and measured. The study found that the pattern of changes in the network after lesioning region correlated with region centrality, hierarchy position, and subsystem distribution. Functionally related regions exhibited similar effects, aligning with subsystem boundaries and propagating through the network. These findings have potential implications for theoretical, experimental, and clinical studies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Joel D. Hahn, Chloe Duckworth
Summary: This article provides open-access brain data flatmap visualization and analysis tools for the mouse, rat, and human. These tools enable computer-generated graphical flatmap representation of user-entered data. They support spatially resolved data up to the level of gray matter regions for mouse and rat, and emphasize Brodmann cerebral cortical parcellation for human, along with other major brain divisions. The article includes a comprehensive user guide and several use examples.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Mai O. Spaulding, Jessica R. Hoffman, Grace C. Madu, Magen N. Lord, Caroline Soares Iizuka, Kevin P. Myers, Emily E. Noble
Summary: Food insecurity is associated with obesity and disordered eating behaviors. Studying a rodent model, researchers found that adolescent food insecurity may increase susceptibility to obesity and altered eating behaviors during adulthood.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)