Background Over the past 20 years, insights from human and mouse genetics have
illuminated the central role of the brain leptin-melanocortin pathway in the control of …

The parabrachial nucleus (PBN), which is located in the pons and is dissected by one of the
major cerebellar output tracks, is known to relay sensory information (visceral malaise, taste …

During the past 30 yr, investigating the physiology of eating behaviors has generated a truly
vast literature. This is fueled in part by a dramatic increase in obesity and its comorbidities …

Astrocytes, microglia, and tanycytes play active roles in the regulation of hypothalamic
feeding circuits. These non-neuronal cells are crucial in determining the functional …

Two intermingled hypothalamic neuron populations specified by expression of agouti-
related peptide (AGRP) or pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) positively and negatively influence …

The central nervous system (CNS) has an important role in the regulation of peripheral
insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Research in this dynamically developing field …

Abstract The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was cloned in 1993 by degenerate PCR;
however, its function was unknown. Subsequent studies suggest that the MC4R might be …

A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a
promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and …

Hypothalamic neurons that co-express agouti-related protein (AgRP), neuropeptide Y and γ-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) are known to promote feeding and weight gain by integration of …

Mammalian reproductive function depends upon a neuroendocrine circuit that evokes the
pulsatile release of gonadotropin hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating …