2022
Ventromedial hypothalamic OGT drives adipose tissue lipolysis and curbs obesity
Wang Q, Zhang B, Stutz B, Liu ZW, Horvath TL, Yang X. Ventromedial hypothalamic OGT drives adipose tissue lipolysis and curbs obesity. Science Advances 2022, 8: eabn8092. PMID: 36044565, PMCID: PMC9432828, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn8092.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentromedial hypothalamusWhite adipose tissueVMH neuronsAdipose tissueBody weightLipid metabolismRapid weight gainCounterregulatory responsesSympathetic activitySympathetic innervationAdipocyte hypertrophyTissue lipolysisNeuronal excitabilityFood intakePhysical activityObesity phenotypesGenetic ablationWeight gainHomeostatic set pointEnergy expenditureNeuronsInnervationLipolysisSignificant changesCellular sensorsA hypothalamic pathway for Augmentor α–controlled body weight regulation
Ahmed M, Kaur N, Cheng Q, Shanabrough M, Tretiakov EO, Harkany T, Horvath TL, Schlessinger J. A hypothalamic pathway for Augmentor α–controlled body weight regulation. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2022, 119: e2200476119. PMID: 35412887, PMCID: PMC9169862, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200476119.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsParaventricular nucleusBody weightDiet-induced obesityBody weight regulationDiscrete neuronal populationsMelanocortin receptor 4Whole-body energy homeostasisPhysiological rolePeptide neuronsHypothalamic pathwaysReceptor 4Neuronal pathwaysPhysical activityLittermate controlsWeight regulationNeuronal populationsMetabolic diseasesTherapeutic opportunitiesMutant miceEnergy homeostasisMiceALKCancerHuman cancersALK mutants
2021
Astrocytic lipid metabolism determines susceptibility to diet-induced obesity
Varela L, Kim JG, Fernández-Tussy P, Aryal B, Liu ZW, Fernández-Hernando C, Horvath TL. Astrocytic lipid metabolism determines susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. Science Advances 2021, 7: eabj2814. PMID: 34890239, PMCID: PMC11323787, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj2814.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDiet-induced obesityHypothalamic astrocytesPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gammaHypothalamic neuronal circuitsProliferator-activated receptor gammaControl of feedingFatty acid homeostasisSystemic glucoseMetabolic milieuGlucose homeostasisBody weightReceptor gammaSynaptic plasticityNeuronal circuitsNutrient sensingLipid metabolismCellular adaptationObesityAstrocytesAcid homeostasisUnidentified roleFA metabolismEnergy metabolismElevated susceptibilityAvailability of FADrp1 is required for AgRP neuronal activity and feeding
Jin S, Yoon NA, Liu ZW, Song JE, Horvath TL, Kim JD, Diano S. Drp1 is required for AgRP neuronal activity and feeding. ELife 2021, 10: e64351. PMID: 33689681, PMCID: PMC7946429, DOI: 10.7554/elife.64351.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAgRP neuronal activityFatty acid oxidationAgRP neuronsNeuronal activityAgRP neuronal functionHypothalamic AgRP neuronsBody weight regulationMitochondrial fatty acid utilizationWhole-body energy homeostasisHypothalamic orexigenic agoutiFatty acid utilizationAcid oxidationFat massCKO miceNeuronal activationPeptide-1Body weightNeuronal functionOrexigenic agoutiEnergy homeostasisMitochondrial fissionSignificant decreaseEnergy expenditureNeuronsAcid utilization
2019
Mitofusin 2 in Mature Adipocytes Controls Adiposity and Body Weight
Mancini G, Pirruccio K, Yang X, Blücher M, Rodeheffer M, Horvath TL. Mitofusin 2 in Mature Adipocytes Controls Adiposity and Body Weight. Cell Reports 2019, 26: 2849-2858.e4. PMID: 30865877, PMCID: PMC6876693, DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.039.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsKnockout miceBody weightMitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactionSystemic metabolic dysregulationImpaired glucose metabolismHigh-fat dietObese human subjectsCalorie-dense foodsMitofusin 2Control miceStandard chowLean controlsMetabolic dysregulationFood intakeAdult miceGlucose metabolismStandard dietAdipose tissueBrown fatGlucose utilizationAdiposityTissue levelsSystemic levelsMiceAdult animals
2017
Cannabis in fat: high hopes to treat obesity
Hawkins MN, Horvath TL. Cannabis in fat: high hopes to treat obesity. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2017, 127: 3918-3920. PMID: 29035279, PMCID: PMC5663345, DOI: 10.1172/jci97042.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCannabinoid receptor type 1Body weightNovel peripheral targetsReduced body weightSystemic metabolic changesAdipocyte-specific deletionReceptor type 1Sympathetic toneTotal adiposityCNS effectsPeripheral mechanismsSystemic metabolismPeripheral targetsAdipocyte physiologyAdipose tissueType 1Metabolic changesMetabolic profileEnergy metabolismMetabolismAdiposityObesityCausal relationshipMiceMacrophagesRegulation of body weight and energy homeostasis by neuronal cell adhesion molecule 1
Rathjen T, Yan X, Kononenko NL, Ku MC, Song K, Ferrarese L, Tarallo V, Puchkov D, Kochlamazashvili G, Brachs S, Varela L, Szigeti-Buck K, Yi CX, Schriever SC, Tattikota SG, Carlo AS, Moroni M, Siemens J, Heuser A, van der Weyden L, Birkenfeld AL, Niendorf T, Poulet JFA, Horvath TL, Tschöp MH, Heinig M, Trajkovski M, Haucke V, Poy MN. Regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis by neuronal cell adhesion molecule 1. Nature Neuroscience 2017, 20: 1096-1103. PMID: 28628102, PMCID: PMC5533218, DOI: 10.1038/nn.4590.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2016
CD301b+ Mononuclear Phagocytes Maintain Positive Energy Balance through Secretion of Resistin-like Molecule Alpha
Kumamoto Y, Camporez JP, Jurczak MJ, Shanabrough M, Horvath T, Shulman GI, Iwasaki A. CD301b+ Mononuclear Phagocytes Maintain Positive Energy Balance through Secretion of Resistin-like Molecule Alpha. Immunity 2016, 45: 583-596. PMID: 27566941, PMCID: PMC5033704, DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2016.08.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMononuclear phagocytesResistin-like molecule αResistin-like molecule alphaSignificant weight lossPositive energy balanceInsulin sensitivityGlucose metabolismAdipose tissueBody weightMultiple organsMultifunctional cytokineBody homeostasisMarked reductionHeterogeneous groupWeight lossPhagocytesMolecule αHomeostasisEnergy balanceRELMαCD301bNormoglycemiaCytokinesMacrophagesCaloric restriction of db/db mice reverts hepatic steatosis and body weight with divergent hepatic metabolism
Kim KE, Jung Y, Min S, Nam M, Heo RW, Jeon BT, Song DH, Yi CO, Jeong EA, Kim H, Kim J, Jeong SY, Kwak W, Ryu do H, Horvath TL, Roh GS, Hwang GS. Caloric restriction of db/db mice reverts hepatic steatosis and body weight with divergent hepatic metabolism. Scientific Reports 2016, 6: 30111. PMID: 27439777, PMCID: PMC4954985, DOI: 10.1038/srep30111.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseDb/db miceDb miceEffects of CRCaloric restrictionLiver diseaseHepatic steatosisHepatic metabolismObese diabetic db/db miceBody weightDiabetic db/db miceFatty liver diseaseObesity-related diseasesInflammation-related proteinsSignificant metabolic alterationsMultiple pathological mechanismsEndoplasmic reticulum stressWestern blot analysisMultiple complicationsInsulin resistanceLipocalin-2Metabolic dysfunctionTherapeutic effectFrequent causeClinical problem
2015
The role of the hypothalamus in the maintenance of energy balance and peripheral glucose control
Varela L, Horvath T. The role of the hypothalamus in the maintenance of energy balance and peripheral glucose control. 2015, 529-537. DOI: 10.1002/9781118387658.ch36.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEnergy homeostasisPrevalence of obesityAnorectic hormonesAgRP neuronsHypothalamic POMCObese patientsGlucose controlGlucose homeostasisBody weightInsulin actionHormonal actionLeptinMajor targetInsulinHormoneBrainHomeostasisLatest findingsEnergy balanceSteady riseObesityPatientsHypothalamusPathwayPrevalence
2014
PPARγ ablation sensitizes proopiomelanocortin neurons to leptin during high-fat feeding
Long L, Toda C, Jeong JK, Horvath TL, Diano S. PPARγ ablation sensitizes proopiomelanocortin neurons to leptin during high-fat feeding. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2014, 124: 4017-4027. PMID: 25083994, PMCID: PMC4151211, DOI: 10.1172/jci76220.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHigh-fat dietPOMC neuronsFood intakeImproved glucose metabolismHigh-fat feedingWhole-body energy balanceBody weight gainProopiomelanocortin neuronsPeripheral administrationFat massLeptin sensitivityControl animalsGlucose metabolismBody weightPPARγ activatorsLocomotor activityEnergy homeostasisPPARγWeight gainNeuronsSelective ablationEnergy expenditureIntakeNuclear receptorsMice
2012
Leptin and insulin pathways in POMC and AgRP neurons that modulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis
Varela L, Horvath TL. Leptin and insulin pathways in POMC and AgRP neurons that modulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis. EMBO Reports 2012, 13: 1079-1086. PMID: 23146889, PMCID: PMC3512417, DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.174.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGlucose homeostasisEnergy homeostasisPrevalence of obesityWhole-body energy homeostasisBody energy homeostasisAnorectic hormonesAgRP neuronsObese patientsProtein (AgRP) neuronsCentral effectsHypothalamic proopiomelanocortinBody weightInsulin actionLeptinHormonal actionMajor targetInsulin pathwayHomeostasisInsulinNeuronsHormoneBrainLatest findingsEnergy balanceSteady riseAgRP neurons: a switch between peripheral carbohydrate and lipid utilization
Varela L, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons: a switch between peripheral carbohydrate and lipid utilization. The EMBO Journal 2012, 31: 4252-4254. PMID: 23085989, PMCID: PMC3501218, DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2012.287.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchLeptin regulates glutamate and glucose transporters in hypothalamic astrocytes
Fuente-Martín E, García-Cáceres C, Granado M, de Ceballos ML, Sánchez-Garrido MÁ, Sarman B, Liu ZW, Dietrich MO, Tena-Sempere M, Argente-Arizón P, Díaz F, Argente J, Horvath TL, Chowen JA. Leptin regulates glutamate and glucose transporters in hypothalamic astrocytes. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2012, 122: 3900-3913. PMID: 23064363, PMCID: PMC3484452, DOI: 10.1172/jci64102.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGlial structural proteinsPathology of obesityHypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronsGlial cell activityOffspring of mothersHigh-fat dietActivity of neuronsExpression of glucoseProopiomelanocortin neuronsHypothalamic astrocytesGlial cellsBody weightSynaptic efficacyGlutamate transportersNeuronal functionCell activityLeptinGlucose uptakeMetabolic statusElectrical activityMetabolic signalsNeuronsAppetiteGlucose transporterKey regulatorLoss of Autophagy in Pro-opiomelanocortin Neurons Perturbs Axon Growth and Causes Metabolic Dysregulation
Coupé B, Ishii Y, Dietrich MO, Komatsu M, Horvath TL, Bouret SG. Loss of Autophagy in Pro-opiomelanocortin Neurons Perturbs Axon Growth and Causes Metabolic Dysregulation. Cell Metabolism 2012, 15: 247-255. PMID: 22285542, PMCID: PMC3278575, DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.12.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdiposityAnimalsArcuate Nucleus of HypothalamusAutophagyAutophagy-Related Protein 7AxonsBody WeightGlucose IntoleranceImmunoblottingMetabolic Networks and PathwaysMiceMicroscopy, ElectronMicrotubule-Associated ProteinsNeuronsPro-OpiomelanocortinTranscription Factor TFIIHTranscription FactorsUbiquitinConceptsPOMC neuronsHypothalamic melanocortin systemPathogenesis of obesityImportant intracellular mechanismNormal metabolic regulationP62-positive aggregatesFunctional neural systemsGlucose intoleranceAge-dependent accumulationNeonatal lifeAxonal projectionsMetabolic dysregulationMetabolic impairmentMelanocortin systemEssential autophagy geneBody weightLoss of autophagyMajor negative regulatorAxon growthIntracellular mechanismsNeuronsAutophagy deficiencyNeural developmentDirect genetic evidenceAtg7
2011
Nicotine Decreases Food Intake Through Activation of POMC Neurons
Mineur YS, Abizaid A, Rao Y, Salas R, DiLeone RJ, Gündisch D, Diano S, De Biasi M, Horvath TL, Gao XB, Picciotto MR. Nicotine Decreases Food Intake Through Activation of POMC Neurons. Science 2011, 332: 1330-1332. PMID: 21659607, PMCID: PMC3113664, DOI: 10.1126/science.1201889.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFood intakePOMC neuronsNicotine decreases food intakeDecrease food intakePro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronsΑ3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorsHypothalamic melanocortin systemNicotine-induced decreasesMelanocortin-4 receptorNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsAnorexic effectDecrease appetiteSmoking cessationSynaptic mechanismsMelanocortin systemNovel treatmentsBody weightAcetylcholine receptorsNeurobiological mechanismsNeuronsIntakeSubsequent activationAppetiteActivationReceptorsEffects of chronic weight perturbation on energy homeostasis and brain structure in mice
Ravussin Y, Gutman R, Diano S, Shanabrough M, Borok E, Sarman B, Lehmann A, LeDuc CA, Rosenbaum M, Horvath TL, Leibel RL. Effects of chronic weight perturbation on energy homeostasis and brain structure in mice. AJP Regulatory Integrative And Comparative Physiology 2011, 300: r1352-r1362. PMID: 21411766, PMCID: PMC3119157, DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00429.2010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDiet-induced obeseEnergy expenditureArcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin neuronsWeight lossWeight-reduced individualsSustained weight lossReduced body weightObese human subjectsCentral nervous systemHuman subjectsSustained weight gainProopiomelanocortin neuronsBody massUpward resettingMale miceExcitatory synapsesBody fatMouse modelBody weightNervous systemSynaptic changesPersistent decreaseEnergy homeostasisWeight gainBrain structures
2010
Enhanced anorexigenic signaling in lean obesity resistant syndecan-3 null mice
Zheng Q, Zhu J, Shanabrough M, Borok E, Benoit SC, Horvath TL, Clegg DJ, Reizes O. Enhanced anorexigenic signaling in lean obesity resistant syndecan-3 null mice. Neuroscience 2010, 171: 1032-1040. PMID: 20923696, PMCID: PMC2991621, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.09.060.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgouti-Related ProteinAlpha-MSHAnalysis of VarianceAnimalsBody WeightDose-Response Relationship, DrugEatingFeeding BehaviorFood DeprivationGene Expression RegulationMaleMiceMice, KnockoutNeuronsNeuropeptide YParaventricular Hypothalamic NucleusProto-Oncogene Proteins c-fosSignal TransductionSyndecan-3Time FactorsConceptsMelanocortin agonist melanotan IISyndecan-3 null miceParaventricular nucleusBody weightNull miceHypothalamic target neuronsNeuropeptide α-MSHRisk of diabetesC-Fos immunoreactivityHypothalamic paraventricular nucleusBody weight regulationWild-type miceTypes of cancerAnorexigenic αAgRP neuronsHormone neuronsHypothalamic circuitsNeuropeptide YAnorexigenic signalingNeuropeptide responsesCardiovascular diseaseFood intakeTarget neuronsMelanotan IIType miceAgrp 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 metabolismUncoupling Protein-2 Decreases the Lipogenic Actions of Ghrelin
Andrews ZB, Erion DM, Beiler R, Choi CS, Shulman GI, Horvath TL. Uncoupling Protein-2 Decreases the Lipogenic Actions of Ghrelin. Endocrinology 2010, 151: 2078-2086. PMID: 20189996, PMCID: PMC2869261, DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0850.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBody weight gainGhrelin treatmentWeight gainLipogenic actionsBody weightFat oxidationFat metabolismChronic ghrelin treatmentDaily ip injectionsWhite adipose tissueNegative energy balanceCalorie restriction modelOsmotic minipumpsIP injectionBody fatGhrelinAdipose tissueMiceReactive oxygen speciesExact mechanismUCP2 mRNALipogenesisProtein 2Oxygen speciesTreatment