Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is known to be a major regulator in response to stress. The recent cloning and characterization of urocortin (UCN), a CRF-like peptide, has opened a new direction in the study of the function of the CRF peptide family in the brain. Most of the UCN-producing neurons are found in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) in the midbrain region, with some scattered UCN neurons found in the forebrain and brainstem regions. Central administration of UCN has been shown to exhibit a potent appetite suppressing effect. However, the mechanism by which UCN neurons modulate appetite is not clear. In the proposed project, neuroanatomical studies will first be performed to determine the potential targets for UCN in the brain and to identify the origin of the UCN neurons that provided the UCN input. Secondly, the function of UCN in its target areas will be assessed. Finally, the hypothesis that endogenous UCN neurons are involved in appetite regulation will be further tested to examine whether UCN gene expression in the brain can be altered by changing metabolic condition or by important peripheral metabolic signals such as leptin.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH012654-01
Application #
6070530
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-2 (01))
Program Officer
Chavez, Mark
Project Start
2000-03-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-03-01
Budget End
2001-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$32,416
Indirect Cost
Name
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Department
Type
DUNS #
005436803
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
Gompf, Heinrich S; Greenberg, Joel H; Aston-Jones, Gary et al. (2010) 3-Monoiodothyronamine: the rationale for its action as an endogenous adrenergic-blocking neuromodulator. Brain Res 1351:130-40