Featured Publications
Neurons for infant social behaviors in the mouse zona incerta
Li Y, Liu Z, Santana G, Capaz A, Doumazane E, Gao X, Renier N, Dietrich M. Neurons for infant social behaviors in the mouse zona incerta. Science 2024, 385: 409-416. PMID: 39052814, DOI: 10.1126/science.adk7411.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInfant social behaviorSocial behaviorZona incertaSomatostatin-expressing neuronsNeural basisInfant behaviorBehavioral distressEmotional developmentMaternal presenceNeural activity manipulationFacilitation of learningBrain centersSocial interactionPopulations of neuronsInfant mouse brainPreweaning miceMouse brainNeuronsInfantsMiceActive manipulationBehaviorMothersDistressIncertaImmune sensing of food allergens promotes avoidance behaviour
Florsheim E, Bachtel N, Cullen J, Lima B, Godazgar M, Carvalho F, Chatain C, Zimmer M, Zhang C, Gautier G, Launay P, Wang A, Dietrich M, Medzhitov R. Immune sensing of food allergens promotes avoidance behaviour. Nature 2023, 620: 643-650. PMID: 37437602, PMCID: PMC10432274, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06362-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMast cellsImmune systemBALB/c miceAllergen-specific IgEDifferentiation factor 15Behavioral modificationAllergen avoidanceAllergic sensitizationAllergic inflammationFood allergyTractus solitariusC miceCysteinyl leukotrienesParabrachial nucleusAllergen ingestionE antibodiesCentral amygdalaFactor 15Mouse modelFood allergensBrain areasImmune sensingAvoidance behaviorAversive stimuliGenetic backgroundDevelopment of “Hunger Neurons” and the Unanticipated Relationship Between Energy Metabolism and Mother-Infant Interactions
Iyilikci O, Zimmer MR, Dietrich MO. Development of “Hunger Neurons” and the Unanticipated Relationship Between Energy Metabolism and Mother-Infant Interactions. Biological Psychiatry 2022, 91: 907-914. PMID: 35397878, PMCID: PMC10184517, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.962.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchFunctional Ontogeny of Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons in Neonatal Mouse Behaviors
Zimmer MR, Fonseca AHO, Iyilikci O, Pra RD, Dietrich MO. Functional Ontogeny of Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons in Neonatal Mouse Behaviors. Cell 2019, 178: 44-59.e7. PMID: 31104844, PMCID: PMC6688755, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.04.026.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHypothalamic AgRP neuronsAgRP neuronsAdult micePostnatal day 10 miceVivo fiber photometryFunctional ontogenyIsolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizationsNon-nutritive sucklingUltrasonic vocalizationsMilk ingestionFiber photometryMilk deprivationFood ingestionNeuronsMiceMouse behaviorIngestionNeonatesGABALittermatesOveractivation
2024
What makes each of us unique? The nine-banded armadillo as a model to study individuality
Leao D, Duque A, Dietrich M. What makes each of us unique? The nine-banded armadillo as a model to study individuality. Frontiers In Mammal Science 2024, 3: 1450655. DOI: 10.3389/fmamm.2024.1450655.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchScience of individualityInter-individual differencesNine-banded armadilloBrain-related traitsSources of varianceBiology of individualsBrain structuresGenetic clonesReproductive biologyArmadillosHuman brainBrainMammalian brainStochastic factorsBiological mechanismsScienceIndividualsBiologyStudy individualsComplex interplayEmotionsClonesThoughtsNeuroscienceArguments
2022
AgRP neurons control structure and function of the medial prefrontal cortex
Stutz B, Waterson MJ, Šestan-Peša M, Dietrich MO, Škarica M, Sestan N, Racz B, Magyar A, Sotonyi P, Liu ZW, Gao XB, Matyas F, Stoiljkovic M, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons control structure and function of the medial prefrontal cortex. Molecular Psychiatry 2022, 27: 3951-3960. PMID: 35906488, PMCID: PMC9891653, DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01691-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMedial prefrontal cortexAgRP neuronsNon-selective dopamine receptor antagonistBrain functionPrefrontal cortexHypothalamic AgRP neuronsMedial thalamic neuronsAdministration of clozapineDopamine receptor antagonistVentral tegmental areaOscillatory network activityHigher-order brain functionsHypothalamic agoutiThalamic neuronsChemogenetic inhibitionDopaminergic neuronsReceptor antagonistTegmental areaNeuronal pathwaysSensorimotor gatingAdult miceModulatory impactAmbulatory behaviorConstitutive impairmentNeuronsPreparatory neurons for building a nest
Iyilikci O, Dietrich MO. Preparatory neurons for building a nest. Neuron 2022, 110: 1283-1285. PMID: 35447098, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.03.023.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2021
Deficiency of the paternally inherited gene Magel2 alters the development of separation‐induced vocalization and maternal behavior in mice
Ortiz G, Santana GM, Dietrich MO. Deficiency of the paternally inherited gene Magel2 alters the development of separation‐induced vocalization and maternal behavior in mice. Genes Brain & Behavior 2021, 21: e12776. PMID: 34812568, PMCID: PMC9744533, DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12776.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOrigin-specific mannerGenomic imprintingMouse developmentPaternal genesMammalian offspringDeficient offspringLoss of Magel2Specific mannerGene Magel2GenesOffspring resultsMAGEL2Combined expressionOffspringAltered behaviorSeparation-induced vocalizationsVocal behaviorExpressionMammalsPostnatal developmentGrowthImprintingPup growthAnalysis of ultrasonic vocalizations from mice using computer vision and machine learning
Fonseca A, Santana GM, Ortiz G, Bampi S, Dietrich MO. Analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations from mice using computer vision and machine learning. ELife 2021, 10: e59161. PMID: 33787490, PMCID: PMC8057810, DOI: 10.7554/elife.59161.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMachine learning methodsUser-defined parametersDimensionality reduction toolComputer visionComputational visionMachine learningUser inputAudio filesLearning methodsDifferential geometry approachData setsGeometry approachProbability distributionRelevant informationVisionReduction toolRobust methodSoftwareFilesLearningClassificationInformationSetNeedTool
2020
AgRP neurons control compulsive exercise and survival in an activity-based anorexia model
Miletta MC, Iyilikci O, Shanabrough M, Šestan-Peša M, Cammisa A, Zeiss CJ, Dietrich MO, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons control compulsive exercise and survival in an activity-based anorexia model. Nature Metabolism 2020, 2: 1204-1211. PMID: 33106687, DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-00300-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAgRP neuronsActivity-based anorexia modelAgRP neuronal activityVivo fiber photometryFood-restricted miceFood-restricted animalsCompulsive exerciseAnorexia modelHypothalamic agoutiNeuropeptide YExercise volumeFood intakeMouse modelNeuronal activityFiber photometryDaily activationNeuronal circuitsPsychiatric conditionsAnorexia nervosaChemogenetic toolsNeuronsLong-term behavioral impactElevated fat contentVoluntary cessationFat content
2019
Regulation of substrate utilization and adiposity by Agrp neurons
Cavalcanti-de-Albuquerque JP, Bober J, Zimmer MR, Dietrich MO. Regulation of substrate utilization and adiposity by Agrp neurons. Nature Communications 2019, 10: 311. PMID: 30659173, PMCID: PMC6338802, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08239-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFat mass accumulationAgRP neuronsPositive energy balanceWhole-body substrate utilizationAgRP neuron activationHypothalamic AgRP neuronsPair-feeding conditionsSubstrate utilizationFatty acid synthaseCaloric ingestionFat utilizationNeuronal mechanismsWeight gainNeuronsMetabolic changesMass accumulationKey enzymeAdiposityAcid synthaseEnergy metabolismNeuron activationLipogenesisActivationCarbohydrate utilizationMetabolic efficiencyActivation of Agrp neurons modulates memory-related cognitive processes in mice
Zimmer MR, Schmitz AE, Dietrich MO. Activation of Agrp neurons modulates memory-related cognitive processes in mice. Pharmacological Research 2019, 141: 303-309. PMID: 30610962, PMCID: PMC6400640, DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.024.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMemory-related cognitive processesCognitive processesMemory-related tasksBarnes maze taskBehavioral flexibilityAgRP neuronsSpontaneous alternation behaviorMaze taskSpatial learningY-maze testStereotyped behaviorAlternation behaviorFood intakeHypothalamic AgRP neuronsTaskNeuropeptide Y receptorsChemogenetic activationY receptorsMouse behaviorAdult miceMemoryNeuronsBehaviorLearningCritical regulator
2017
Plasticity of calcium-permeable AMPA glutamate receptors in Pro-opiomelanocortin neurons
Suyama S, Ralevski A, Liu ZW, Dietrich MO, Yada T, Simonds SE, Cowley MA, Gao XB, Diano S, Horvath TL. Plasticity of calcium-permeable AMPA glutamate receptors in Pro-opiomelanocortin neurons. ELife 2017, 6: e25755. PMID: 28762946, PMCID: PMC5538821, DOI: 10.7554/elife.25755.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExcitatory postsynaptic currentsPOMC neuronsCP-AMPARsFasted stateAMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currentsCalcium-permeable AMPA glutamate receptorsInhibition of EPSCsHigh-fat diet exposurePOMC neuronal activityPro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronsCalcium-permeable AMPARsElevated leptin levelsAMPA glutamate receptorsAmplitude of mEPSCsFood deprivationEntry of calciumAMPA receptor complexesDiet exposureLeptin levelsPostsynaptic currentsEPSC amplitudeGlutamate receptorsNeuronal activityExtracellular calciumLinear current-voltage relationship
2015
Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons Drive Stereotypic Behaviors beyond Feeding
Dietrich MO, Zimmer MR, Bober J, Horvath TL. Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons Drive Stereotypic Behaviors beyond Feeding. Cell 2015, 160: 1222-1232. PMID: 25748653, PMCID: PMC4484787, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.024.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHypothalamic AgRP neuronsAgRP neuronsNeuropeptidergic signalingReceptor signalingFunctional rolePotential therapeutic avenuesAgRP neuron activationStereotypic behaviorFeeding behaviorRepetitive behaviorsSignalingTherapeutic avenuesFood triggersAdult miceNervous systemDecreased anxietyNeuronsMinor effectActivationFood consumptionNeuron activationGoal-directed behaviorSensory informationFlexible goal-directed behaviorDisease
2013
Hypothalamic control of energy balance: insights into the role of synaptic plasticity
Dietrich MO, Horvath TL. Hypothalamic control of energy balance: insights into the role of synaptic plasticity. Trends In Neurosciences 2013, 36: 65-73. PMID: 23318157, DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.12.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsWhole-body energy metabolismRegion-specific expressionGenetic toolsPeripheral tissue functionsMetabolism regulationMetabolic hormone receptorsEnergy metabolismTissue functionMetabolic eventsRole of neuronsHormone receptorsRegulationGlial cellsHypothalamic controlSynaptic plasticityCentral regulationNeuronal circuitsBrain circuitsEnormous leapPlasticitySurprising findingRoleExpressionMetabolismDynamic process
2012
Limitations in anti-obesity drug development: the critical role of hunger-promoting neurons
Dietrich MO, Horvath TL. Limitations in anti-obesity drug development: the critical role of hunger-promoting neurons. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2012, 11: 675-691. PMID: 22858652, DOI: 10.1038/nrd3739.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNPY/AgRP neuronsNegative energy balanceSevere side effectsAgRP neuronsPOMC neuronsPositive energy balanceChronic disordersPeripheral tissuesReactive oxygen speciesSide effectsLong-term positive energy balanceCalorie restrictionAnti-obesity drug developmentBehavioral interventionsIntense behavioral interventionsPro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronsChronic metabolic disorderLong-term treatmentWhite adipose tissueAlternative therapeutic approachAnti-obesity therapiesPromotion of satietyNew drug therapiesPopulations of neuronsHigher brain functionsAgRP neurons regulate development of dopamine neuronal plasticity and nonfood-associated behaviors
Dietrich MO, Bober J, Ferreira JG, Tellez LA, Mineur YS, Souza DO, Gao XB, Picciotto MR, Araújo I, Liu ZW, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons regulate development of dopamine neuronal plasticity and nonfood-associated behaviors. Nature Neuroscience 2012, 15: 1108-1110. PMID: 22729177, PMCID: PMC3411867, DOI: 10.1038/nn.3147.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2010
Agrp Neurons Mediate Sirt1's Action on the Melanocortin System and Energy Balance: Roles for Sirt1 in Neuronal Firing and Synaptic Plasticity
Dietrich MO, Antunes C, Geliang G, Liu ZW, Borok E, Nie Y, Xu AW, Souza DO, Gao Q, Diano S, Gao XB, Horvath TL. Agrp Neurons Mediate Sirt1's Action on the Melanocortin System and Energy Balance: Roles for Sirt1 in Neuronal Firing and Synaptic Plasticity. Journal Of Neuroscience 2010, 30: 11815-11825. PMID: 20810901, PMCID: PMC2965459, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2234-10.2010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFood intakeMelanocortin systemAgRP neuronal activityAnorexigenic POMC neuronsHypothalamic melanocortin systemAction of SIRT1Negative energy balanceAgRP neuronsPOMC neuronsCre-lox technologyInhibitory toneMC4R antagonistFat massLean massSynaptic inputsNeuronal activityNeuronal firingAdult miceBody weightSIRT1 inhibitorSynaptic plasticityCalorie restrictionMelanocortin receptorsSIRT1 activityBody metabolism
2008
Exercise-Induced Synaptogenesis in the Hippocampus Is Dependent on UCP2-Regulated Mitochondrial Adaptation
Dietrich MO, Andrews ZB, Horvath TL. Exercise-Induced Synaptogenesis in the Hippocampus Is Dependent on UCP2-Regulated Mitochondrial Adaptation. Journal Of Neuroscience 2008, 28: 10766-10771. PMID: 18923051, PMCID: PMC3865437, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2744-08.2008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSynaptic plasticityVoluntary exerciseEssential organellesUCP2 functionProtein-2 mRNA expressionDendritic spine synapsesBioenergetic adaptationMitochondrial metabolismMitochondrial oxygen consumptionMitochondrial numberEnergetic needsMitochondrial adaptationsMitochondrial mechanismsExercise inducesDentate gyrusStratum radiatumSpine synapsesCA1 regionGlial morphologyHippocampal formationNeuronal activityGranule cellsAction potentialsNeuronal morphologyMRNA expression