Obesity-associated diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease together account for the leading cause of death in the United States. Roughly one-third of the U.S. population is obese, and it is estimated that nearly half of the population will be obese within the next two decades. To date, studies investigating the neural contribution to body weight control have focused largely on neuropeptidergic signaling in the hypothalamus, a key brain region involved in feeding behavior. However, signaling from extra-hypothalamic brain regions has also been implicated in regulating nutrient metabolism, appetite, and satiety. We have recently uncovered a novel mechanism by which glutamatergic signaling in the basal forebrain strongly influences feeding and body weight control. This discovery provides intriguing evidence that specific glutamatergic signaling pathways in the brain critically regulate feeding behavior and body weight homeostasis. To elucidate the mechanisms by which forebrain glutamatergic signaling influences body weight management, feeding behaviors, and metabolism, we will test the hypothesis that glutamatergic basal forebrain circuits modulate metabolic and appetitive programs to regulate body weight. Using a combination conditional genetic targeting, optogenetic manipulations, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis, we will set out to determine the role for basal forebrain glutamatergic signaling in body weight control and obesity.

Public Health Relevance

We have recently uncovered a novel role for cholinergic basal forebrain glutamatergic neurons in body weight control. This project focuses on elucidating the underlying neurocircuits for the action of glutamatergic neurons in the control feeding and body weight control. Knowledge gained from these studies will provide needed insight into how cholinergic circuits in the central nervous system modulate metabolic and appetitive programs to regulate body weight.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DK109934-05
Application #
10072586
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Cooke, Brad
Project Start
2016-07-15
Project End
2025-06-30
Budget Start
2020-09-15
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
051113330
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
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