The lateral hypothalamus (LH) serves as a central hub, integrating a wide range of inputs from various brain regions and projecting neuropeptide-containing nerve fibers all over the brain. The LH has long been recognized as a feeding center. The regulation of food intake plays an important role in energy-balance homeostasis. Unbalanced energy accumulation leads to obesity, which has been recognized as a risk factor in many diseases and disorders. Despite the overwhelming importance of this structure, it remains poorly understood how the LH integrates different sources of signals and exerts its functions via hypocretin/orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) systems in the LH. Both hypocretin and MCH have been implicated as orexigenic: Previous studies have suggested that hypocretin/orexin is an excitatory peptide while MCH is inhibitory. Given their opposite actions at the cellular level, it is intriguing to understand how these two systems interact dynamically to determine the final output and hence to determine the behavioral states of animals. The long-term goal of this project is to understand how these neurons interact with each other to form specific functional organizations for regulating different behaviors. In this proposal, we will use molecular biological, electrophysiological, immunocytochemical and electron microscopic methods as well as digital calcium imaging to address the interaction or hypocretin/orexin and MCH at the cellular level in both normal animals and transgenic mouse models. The chief hypothesis is that the excitatory role of hypocretin/orexin in the LH may serve as the engine to propel this brain region, while the inhibitory modulation induced by MCH may substantially adjust the tone of neuronal activity in the LH area and thus may shape the decision making of the LH and the arcuate nucleus. The following hypotheses will be examined: 1. Hypocretin/orexin serves as a major excitatory force to both hypocretin/orexin and MCH systems. 2. MCH modulates excitability in both hypocretin/orexin and MCH containing neurons. 3. Crosstalk of hypocretin and MCH underlies appropriate regulation of the melanocortin system in the arcuate nucleus. This proposal will begin to bridge the gap between studies at the molecular level and the systemic level on the role of the LH in regulation of food intake. We hope that results generated from this proposal will complement to the current framework in understanding energy homeostasis in mammals. Ultimately, we hope that our research will benefit those suffering from obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 15 publications
