Deciphering an AgRP-serotoninergic neural circuit in distinct control of energy metabolism from feeding

Contrasting to the established role of the hypothalamic agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in feeding regulation, the neural circuit and signaling mechanisms by which they control energy expenditure remains unclear. Here, we report that energy expenditure is regulated by a subgroup of AgRP neurons that send non-collateral projections to neurons within the dorsal lateral part of dorsal raphe nucleus (dlDRN) expressing the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which in turn innervate nearby serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. Genetic manipulations reveal a bi-directional control of energy expenditure by this circuit without affecting food intake. Fiber photometry and electrophysiological results indicate that the thermo-sensing MC4R(dlDRN) neurons integrate pre-synaptic AgRP signaling, thereby modulating the post-synaptic serotonergic pathway. Specifically, the MC4R(dlDRN) signaling elicits profound, bi-directional, regulation of body weight mainly through sympathetic outflow that reprograms mitochondrial bioenergetics within brown and beige fat while feeding remains intact. Together, we suggest that this AgRP neural circuit plays a unique role in persistent control of energy expenditure and body weight, hinting next-generation therapeutic approaches for obesity and metabolic disorders. Neuronal signaling has an important role in the regulation of energy expenditure and body weight, however, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, the authors report a AgRP-MC4R-serotonin expressing neuronal circuit that regulate energy expenditure without affecting feeding.

Automated summary

A subgroup of AgRP neurons regulate energy expenditure by targeting MC4R-expressing neurons in the dlDRN, which in turn innervate nearby serotonergic neurons. This neural circuit controls body weight bidirectionally mainly through sympathetic outflow that reprograms mitochondrial bioenergetics within brown and beige fat. Neuronal signaling plays a crucial role in regulating energy expenditure and body weight.