| First Author | Furlan A | Year | 2022 |
| Journal | Nat Neurosci | Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 11 | Pages | 1470-1480 |
| PubMed ID | 36266470 | Mgi Jnum | J:336173 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:7486701 | Doi | 10.1038/s41593-022-01178-3 |
| Citation | Furlan A, et al. (2022) Neurotensin neurons in the extended amygdala control dietary choice and energy homeostasis. Nat Neurosci 25(11):1470-1480 |
| abstractText | 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 IPAC(Nts) neurons promotes obesogenic behaviors, such as hedonic eating, and modulates food preference. Conversely, acute inhibition of IPAC(Nts) neurons reduces feeding and decreases hedonic eating. Chronic inactivation of IPAC(Nts) 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. |
