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Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors have no interests to declare.

Interspecies hybrids have nuclear contributions from two species but oocyte cytoplasm from only one. Species discordance may lead to altered nuclear reprogramming of the foreign paternal genome. We reasoned that initial reprogramming in same species cytoplasm plus creation of hybrids with zygote cytoplasm from both species, which we describe here, might enhance nuclear reprogramming and promote hybrid development. We report in Mus species that (i) mammalian nuclear/cytoplasmic hybrids can be created, (ii) they allow development and viability of a previously missing and uncharacterized hybrid class, (iii) different oocyte cytoplasm environments lead to different phenotypes of same nuclear hybrid genotype, and (iv) the novel hybrids exhibit sex ratio distortion with the absence of female progeny and represent a mammalian exception to Haldane's rule. Our results emphasize that interspecies hybrid phenotypes are not only the result of nuclear gene epistatic interactions but also cytonuclear interactions and that the latter have major impacts on fetal and placental growth and development.

Human mutations in neuropeptide Y (NPY) have been linked to high body mass index but not altered dietary patterns 1 . Here we uncover the mechanism by which NPY in sympathetic neurons 2,3 protects from obesity. Imaging of cleared mouse brown and white adipose tissue (BAT and WAT, respectively) established that NPY + sympathetic axons are a smaller subset that mostly maps to the perivasculature; analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets identified mural cells as the main NPY-responsive cells in adipose tissues. We show that NPY sustains the proliferation of mural cells, which are a source of thermogenic adipocytes in both BAT and WAT 4-6 . We found that diet-induced obesity leads to neuropathy of NPY + axons and concomitant depletion of mural cells. This defect was replicated in mice with NPY abrogated from sympathetic neurons. The loss of NPY in sympathetic neurons whitened interscapular BAT, reducing its thermogenic ability and decreasing energy expenditure before the onset of obesity. It also caused adult-onset obesity of mice fed on a regular chow diet and rendered them more susceptible to diet-induced obesity without increasing food consumption. Our results indicate that, relative to central NPY, peripheral NPY produced by sympathetic nerves has the opposite effect on body weight by sustaining energy expenditure independently of food intake., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

For centuries, increasingly sophisticated methods and approaches have been brought to bear to promote weight loss. Second only to the Holy Grail of research on aging, the idea of finding a single and simple way to lose weight has long preoccupied the minds of laymen and scientists alike. The effects of obesity are far-reaching and not to be minimized; the need for more effective treatments is obvious. Is there a single silver bullet that addresses this issue without effort on the part of the individual? The answer to this question has been one of the most elusive and sought-after in modern history. Now and then, a miraculous discovery propagates the illusion that a simple solution is possible. Now there are designer drugs that seem to accomplish the task: we can lose weight without effort using mono, dual, and triple agonists of receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and glucagon. There are, however, fundamental biological principles that raise intriguing questions about these therapies beyond the currently reported side-effects. This perspective reflects upon these issues from the angle of complex goal-oriented behaviors, and systemic and cellular metabolism associated with satiety and hunger., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. See the journal About page for additional terms.)

Mammalian hibernators survive prolonged periods of cold and resource scarcity by temporarily modulating normal physiological functions, but the mechanisms underlying these adaptations are poorly understood. The hibernation cycle of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) lasts for 5-7 months and comprises weeks of hypometabolic, hypothermic torpor interspersed with 24-48-h periods of an active-like interbout arousal (IBA) state. We show that ground squirrels, who endure the entire hibernation season without food, have negligible hunger during IBAs. These squirrels exhibit reversible inhibition of the hypothalamic feeding center, such that hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons exhibit reduced sensitivity to the orexigenic and anorexigenic effects of ghrelin and leptin, respectively. However, hypothalamic infusion of thyroid hormone during an IBA is sufficient to rescue hibernation anorexia. Our results reveal that thyroid hormone deficiency underlies hibernation anorexia and demonstrate the functional flexibility of the hypothalamic feeding center., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers the generation of diverse and functional autoantibodies (AABs), even after mild cases. Persistently elevated autoantibodies have been found in some individuals with long COVID (LC). Using a >21,000 human protein array, we identified diverse AAB targets in LC patients that correlated with their symptoms. Elevated AABs to proteins in the nervous system were found in LC patients with neurocognitive and neurological symptoms. Purified Immunoglobulin G (IgG) samples from these individuals reacted with human pons tissue and were cross-reactive with mouse sciatic nerves, spinal cord, and meninges. Antibody reactivity to sciatic nerves and meninges correlated with patient-reported headache and disorientation. Passive transfer of IgG from patients to mice led to increased sensitivity and pain, mirroring patient-reported symptoms. Similarly, mice injected with IgG showed loss of balance and coordination, reflecting donor-reported dizziness. Our findings suggest that targeting AABs could benefit some LC patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests A. I. co-founded RIGImmune, Xanadu Bio and PanV and is a member of the Board of Directors of Roche Holding Ltd and Genentech. All other authors declare no competing interests.

Reproduction is safeguarded by multiple, often cooperative, regulatory networks. Kisspeptin signaling, via KISS1R, plays a fundamental role in reproductive control, primarily by regulation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons. We disclose herein a pathway for direct kisspeptin actions in astrocytes that contributes to central reproductive modulation. Protein-protein interaction and ontology analyses of hypothalamic proteomic profiles after kisspeptin stimulation revealed that glial/astrocyte markers are regulated by kisspeptin in mice. This glial-kisspeptin pathway was validated by the demonstrated expression of Kiss1r in mouse astrocytes in vivo and astrocyte cultures from humans, rats, and mice, where kisspeptin activated canonical intracellular signaling-pathways. Cellular coexpression of Kiss1r with the astrocyte markers GFAP and S100-β occurred in different brain regions, with higher percentage in Kiss1- and GnRH-enriched areas. Conditional ablation of Kiss1r in GFAP-positive cells in the G-KiR-KO mouse altered gene expression of key factors in PGE2 synthesis in astrocytes and perturbed astrocyte-GnRH neuronal appositions, as well as LH responses to kisspeptin and LH pulsatility, as surrogate marker of GnRH secretion. G-KiR-KO mice also displayed changes in reproductive responses to metabolic stress induced by high-fat diet, affecting female pubertal onset, estrous cyclicity, and LH-secretory profiles. Our data unveil a nonneuronal pathway for kisspeptin actions in astrocytes, which cooperates in fine-tuning the reproductive axis and its responses to metabolic stress.

Empirical evidence suggests that heat exposure reduces food intake. However, the neurocircuit architecture and the signalling mechanisms that form an associative interface between sensory and metabolic modalities remain unknown, despite primary thermoceptive neurons in the pontine parabrachial nucleus becoming well characterized 1 . Tanycytes are a specialized cell type along the wall of the third ventricle 2 that bidirectionally transport hormones and signalling molecules between the brain's parenchyma and ventricular system 3-8 . Here we show that tanycytes are activated upon acute thermal challenge and are necessary to reduce food intake afterwards. Virus-mediated gene manipulation and circuit mapping showed that thermosensing glutamatergic neurons of the parabrachial nucleus innervate tanycytes either directly or through second-order hypothalamic neurons. Heat-dependent Fos expression in tanycytes suggested their ability to produce signalling molecules, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Instead of discharging VEGFA into the cerebrospinal fluid for a systemic effect, VEGFA was released along the parenchymal processes of tanycytes in the arcuate nucleus. VEGFA then increased the spike threshold of Flt1-expressing dopamine and agouti-related peptide (Agrp)-containing neurons, thus priming net anorexigenic output. Indeed, both acute heat and the chemogenetic activation of glutamatergic parabrachial neurons at thermoneutrality reduced food intake for hours, in a manner that is sensitive to both Vegfa loss-of-function and blockage of vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2)-dependent exocytosis from tanycytes. Overall, we define a multimodal neurocircuit in which tanycytes link parabrachial sensory relay to the long-term enforcement of a metabolic code., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

AgRP neurons drive hunger, and excessive nutrient intake is the primary driver of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. While many factors impacting central regulation of feeding behavior have been established, the role of microRNAs in this process is poorly understood. Utilizing unique mouse models, we demonstrate that miR-33 plays a critical role in the regulation of AgRP neurons, and that loss of miR-33 leads to increased feeding, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction in mice. These effects include the regulation of multiple miR-33 target genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid metabolism. Our findings elucidate a key regulatory pathway regulated by a non-coding RNA that impacts hunger by controlling multiple bioenergetic processes associated with the activation of AgRP neurons, providing alternative therapeutic approaches to modulate feeding behavior and associated metabolic diseases., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Dysregulation of hypothalamic ceramides has been associated with disrupted neuronal pathways in control of energy and glucose homeostasis. However, the specific ceramide species promoting neuronal lipotoxicity in obesity have remained obscure. Here, we find increased expression of the C 16:0 ceramide-producing ceramide synthase (CerS)6 in cultured hypothalamic neurons exposed to palmitate in vitro and in the hypothalamus of obese mice. Conditional deletion of CerS6 in hypothalamic neurons attenuates high-fat diet (HFD)-dependent weight gain and improves glucose metabolism. Specifically, CerS6 deficiency in neurons expressing pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) or steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) alters feeding behavior and alleviates the adverse metabolic effects of HFD feeding on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. POMC-expressing cell-selective deletion of CerS6 prevents the diet-induced alterations of mitochondrial morphology and improves cellular leptin sensitivity. Our experiments reveal functions of CerS6-derived ceramides in hypothalamic lipotoxicity, altered mitochondrial dynamics, and ER/mitochondrial stress in the deregulation of food intake and glucose metabolism in obesity., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder mainly characterized by extreme hypophagia, severe body weight loss, hyperactivity, and hypothermia. Currently, AN has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses. Despite decades of research, there is no effective cure for AN nor is there a clear understanding of its etiology. Since a complex interaction between genetic, environmental, social, and cultural factors underlines this disorder, the development of a suitable animal model has been difficult so far. Here, we present our protocol that couples a loss-of-function mouse model to the activity-based anorexia model (ABA), which involves self-imposed starvation in response to exposure to food restriction and exercise. We provide insights into a neural circuit that drives survival in AN and, in contrast to previous protocols, propose a model that mimics the conditions that mainly promote AN in humans, such as increased incidence during adolescence, onset preceded by negative energy balance, and increased compulsive exercise. This protocol will be useful for future studies that aim to identify neuronal populations or brain circuits that promote the onset or long-term maintenance of this devastating eating disorder., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors have no financial or no-financial competing interests to report., (©Copyright : © 2023 The Authors; This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license.)

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with the highest mortality. Current treatment options have been limited to psychotherapy and nutritional support, with low efficacy and high relapse rates. Hypothalamic AgRP (agouti-related peptide) neurons that coexpress AGRP and neuropeptide Y (NPY) play a critical role in driving feeding while also modulating other complex behaviors. We have previously reported that genetic ablation of Tet3 , which encodes a member of the TET family dioxygenases, specifically in AgRP neurons in mice, activates these neurons and increases the expression of AGRP, NPY, and the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), leading to hyperphagia and anxiolytic effects. Bobcat339 is a synthetic small molecule predicted to bind to the catalytic pockets of TET proteins. Here, we report that Bobcat339 is effective in mitigating AN and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors using a well-established mouse model of activity-based anorexia (ABA). We show that treating mice with Bobcat339 decreases TET3 expression in AgRP neurons and activates these neurons leading to increased feeding, decreased compulsive running, and diminished lethality in the ABA model. Mechanistically, Bobcat339 induces TET3 protein degradation while simultaneously stimulating the expression of AGRP, NPY, and VGAT in a TET3-dependent manner both in mouse and human neuronal cells, demonstrating a conserved, previously unsuspected mode of action of Bobcat339. Our findings suggest that Bobcat339 may potentially be a therapeutic for anorexia nervosa and stress-related disorders.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is almost exclusively expressed in glial cells in postnatal mouse brain, but its impact in glia for brain behavioral functioning is poorly understood. We compared behavioral effects from FGFR2 loss in both neurons and astroglial cells and from FGFR2 loss in astroglial cells by using either the pluripotent progenitor-driven hGFAP-cre or the tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-driven GFAP-creER T2 in Fgfr2 floxed mice. When FGFR2 was eliminated in embryonic pluripotent precursors or in early postnatal astroglia, mice were hyperactive, and had small changes in working memory, sociability, and anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, FGFR2 loss in astrocytes starting at 8 weeks of age resulted only in reduced anxiety-like behavior. Therefore, early postnatal loss of FGFR2 in astroglia is critical for broad behavioral dysregulation. Neurobiological assessments demonstrated that astrocyte-neuron membrane contact was reduced and glial glutamine synthetase expression increased only by early postnatal FGFR2 loss. We conclude that altered astroglial cell function dependent on FGFR2 in the early postnatal period may result in impaired synaptic development and behavioral regulation, modeling childhood behavioral deficits like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ghrelin levels and the subjective effects of alcohol in heavy drinkers, and to compare them to healthy controls., Methods: Ghrelin levels were collected as part of two laboratory studies. Both groups received either IV infusion of saline or high dose of alcohol (100 mg%). In the study of heavy drinkers, ghrelin was gathered on all subjects, but data was analyzed only for participants who received placebo (N=12). Healthy controls (N=20) came from another study that collected data on family history. Ghrelin levels and measures of alcohol effects (BAES, VAS, NDS, YCS [see manuscript for details]) were collected at 4 timepoints: baseline, before infusion, during infusion and after infusion., Results: IV alcohol significantly reduced ghrelin levels and higher fasting ghrelin levels were associated with more intense subjective alcohol effects. There were no differences in fasting ghrelin levels or subjective effects between heavy drinkers and controls. However, while both groups showed similar decline in ghrelin levels following alcohol infusion, on the placebo day, ghrelin levels in the healthy subjects increased significantly and exponentially over time while for the heavy drinkers ghrelin levels remained flat., Conclusions: Our findings support the role of ghrelin in reward mechanisms for alcohol. Contrary to others, we found no differences in fasting ghrelin levels or subjective experiences of alcohol between heavy drinkers and healthy controls. However, the group differences on the IV placebo day may be a possible indication of ghrelin abnormalities in heavy drinkers., (© The Author(s) 2022. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.)

As marijuana use during adolescence has been increasing, the need to understand the effects of its long-term use becomes crucial. Previous research suggested that marijuana consumption during adolescence increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Ghrelin is a peptide produced primarily in the gut and is important for feeding behavior. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin and its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), play important roles in mediating stress, as well as anxiety and depression-like behaviors in animal models. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during late adolescence (P42-55) in GHSR (GHSR -/- ) knockout mice and their wild-type littermates in relation to anxiety-like behaviors. We determined that continuous THC exposure during late adolescence did not lead to any significant alterations in the anxiety-like behaviors of adult mice, regardless of genotype, following a prolonged period of no exposure (1 month). These data indicate that in the presence of intact or impaired ghrelin/GHSR signaling, THC exposure during late adolescence has limited if any long-term impact on anxiety-like behaviors in mice.

Dysregulation of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1, L1), a dominant class of transposable elements in the human genome, has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, but whether elevated L1 expression is sufficient to cause neurodegeneration has not been directly tested. Here, we show that the cerebellar expression of L1 is significantly elevated in ataxia telangiectasia patients and strongly anti-correlated with the expression of epigenetic silencers. To examine the role of L1 in the disease etiology, we developed an approach for direct targeting of the L1 promoter for overexpression in mice. We demonstrated that L1 activation in the cerebellum led to Purkinje cell dysfunctions and degeneration and was sufficient to cause ataxia. Treatment with a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor blunted ataxia progression by reducing DNA damage, attenuating gliosis, and reversing deficits of molecular regulators for calcium homeostasis in Purkinje cells. Our study provides the first direct evidence that L1 activation can drive neurodegeneration., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The lateral septum (LS) has been implicated in the regulation of locomotion. Nevertheless, the neurons synchronizing LS activity with the brain's clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) remain unknown. By interrogating the molecular, anatomical and physiological heterogeneity of dopamine neurons of the periventricular nucleus (PeVN; A14 catecholaminergic group), we find that Th + /Dat1 + cells from its anterior subdivision innervate the LS in mice. These dopamine neurons receive dense neuropeptidergic innervation from the SCN. Reciprocal viral tracing in combination with optogenetic stimulation ex vivo identified somatostatin-containing neurons in the LS as preferred synaptic targets of extrahypothalamic A14 efferents. In vivo chemogenetic manipulation of anterior A14 neurons impacted locomotion. Moreover, chemogenetic inhibition of dopamine output from the anterior PeVN normalized amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, particularly during sedentary periods. Cumulatively, our findings identify a hypothalamic locus for the diurnal control of locomotion and pinpoint a midbrain-independent cellular target of psychostimulants., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The role of glia as active participants in brain functions has become increasingly evident. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Herrera Moro Chao et al. reveal that astrocytes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) bidirectionally control neuronal behavior in response to metabolic cues and that this control is disrupted in obesity., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The TET family of dioxygenases promote DNA demethylation by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Hypothalamic agouti-related peptide-expressing (AGRP-expressing) neurons play an essential role in driving feeding, while also modulating nonfeeding behaviors. Besides AGRP, these neurons produce neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the neurotransmitter GABA, which act in concert to stimulate food intake and decrease energy expenditure. Notably, AGRP, NPY, and GABA can also elicit anxiolytic effects. Here, we report that in adult mouse AGRP neurons, CRISPR-mediated genetic ablation of Tet3, not previously known to be involved in central control of appetite and metabolism, induced hyperphagia, obesity, and diabetes, in addition to a reduction of stress-like behaviors. TET3 deficiency activated AGRP neurons, simultaneously upregulated the expression of Agrp, Npy, and the vesicular GABA transporter Slc32a1, and impeded leptin signaling. In particular, we uncovered a dynamic association of TET3 with the Agrp promoter in response to leptin signaling, which induced 5hmC modification that was associated with a chromatin-modifying complex leading to transcription inhibition, and this regulation occurred in both the mouse models and human cells. Our results unmasked TET3 as a critical central regulator of appetite and energy metabolism and revealed its unexpected dual role in the control of feeding and other complex behaviors through AGRP neurons.

Hypothalamic agouti-related peptide and neuropeptide Y-expressing (AgRP) neurons have a critical role in both feeding and non-feeding behaviors of newborn, adolescent, and adult mice, suggesting their broad modulatory impact on brain functions. Here we show that constitutive impairment of AgRP neurons or their peripubertal chemogenetic inhibition resulted in both a numerical and functional reduction of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice. These changes were accompanied by alteration of oscillatory network activity in mPFC, impaired sensorimotor gating, and altered ambulatory behavior that could be reversed by the administration of clozapine, a non-selective dopamine receptor antagonist. The observed AgRP effects are transduced to mPFC in part via dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and may also be conveyed by medial thalamic neurons. Our results unmasked a previously unsuspected role for hypothalamic AgRP neurons in control of neuronal pathways that regulate higher-order brain functions during development and in adulthood., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is known to regulate body weight and counterregulatory response. However, how VMH neurons regulate lipid metabolism and energy balance remains unknown. O-linked β-d- N -acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification (O-GlcNAcylation), catalyzed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), is considered a cellular sensor of nutrients and hormones. Here, we report that genetic ablation of OGT in VMH neurons inhibits neuronal excitability. Mice with VMH neuron-specific OGT deletion show rapid weight gain, increased adiposity, and reduced energy expenditure, without significant changes in food intake or physical activity. The obesity phenotype is associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and reduced lipolysis of white adipose tissues. In addition, OGT deletion in VMH neurons down-regulates the sympathetic activity and impairs the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissues. These findings identify OGT in the VMH as a homeostatic set point that controls body weight and underscore the importance of the VMH in regulating lipid metabolism through white adipose tissue-specific innervation.

The hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt/Orx) system in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus has been recognized as a critical node in a complex network of neuronal systems controlling both physiology and behavior in vertebrates. Our understanding of the Hcrt/Orx system and its array of functions and actions has grown exponentially in merely 2 decades. This review will examine the latest progress in discerning the roles played by the Hcrt/Orx system in regulating homeostatic functions and in executing instinctive and learned behaviors. Furthermore, the gaps that currently exist in our knowledge of sex-related differences in this field of study are discussed., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Mitochondria in animals are associated with development, as well as physiological and pathological behaviors. Several conserved mitochondrial genes exist between plants and higher eukaryotes. Yet, the similarities in mitochondrial function between plant and animal species is poorly understood. Here, we show that FMT (FRIENDLY MITOCHONDRIA) from Arabidopsis thaliana, a highly conserved homolog of the mammalian CLUH (CLUSTERED MITOCHONDRIA) gene family encoding mitochondrial proteins associated with developmental alterations and adult physiological and pathological behaviors, affects whole plant morphology and development under both stressed and normal growth conditions. FMT was found to regulate mitochondrial morphology and dynamics, germination, and flowering time. It also affects leaf expansion growth, salt stress responses and hyponastic behavior, including changes in speed of hyponastic movements. Strikingly, Cluh ± heterozygous knockout mice also displayed altered locomotive movements, traveling for shorter distances and had slower average and maximum speeds in the open field test. These observations indicate that homologous mitochondrial genes may play similar roles and affect homologous functions in both plants and animals., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Phospholipid levels are influenced by peripheral metabolism. Within the central nervous system, synaptic phospholipids regulate glutamatergic transmission and cortical excitability. Whether changes in peripheral metabolism affect brain lipid levels and cortical excitability remains unknown. Here, we show that levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid are elevated after overnight fasting and lead to higher cortical excitability. LPA-related cortical excitability increases fasting-induced hyperphagia, and is decreased following inhibition of LPA synthesis. Mice expressing a human mutation (Prg-1 R346T ) leading to higher synaptic lipid-mediated cortical excitability display increased fasting-induced hyperphagia. Accordingly, human subjects with this mutation have higher body mass index and prevalence of type 2 diabetes. We further show that the effects of LPA following fasting are under the control of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. Depletion of AgRP-expressing cells in adult mice decreases fasting-induced elevation of circulating LPAs, as well as cortical excitability, while blunting hyperphagia. These findings reveal a direct influence of circulating LPAs under the control of hypothalamic AgRP neurons on cortical excitability, unmasking an alternative non-neuronal route by which the hypothalamus can exert a robust impact on the cortex and thereby affect food intake., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Augmentor α and β (Augα and Augβ) are newly discovered ligands of the receptor tyrosine kinases Alk and Ltk. Augα functions as a dimeric ligand that binds with high affinity and specificity to Alk and Ltk. However, a monomeric Augα fragment and monomeric Augβ also bind to Alk and potently stimulate cellular responses. While previous studies demonstrated that oncogenic Alk mutants function as important drivers of a variety of human cancers, the physiological roles of Augα and Augβ are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the physiological roles of Augα and Augβ by exploring mice deficient in each or both Aug ligands. Analysis of mutant mice showed that both Augα single knockout and double knockout of Augα and Augβ exhibit a similar thinness phenotype and resistance to diet-induced obesity. In the Augα-knockout mice, the leanness phenotype is coupled to increased physical activity. By contrast, Augβ-knockout mice showed similar weight curves as the littermate controls. Experiments are presented demonstrating that Augα is robustly expressed and metabolically regulated in agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons, cells that control whole-body energy homeostasis in part via their projections to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Moreover, both Alk and melanocortin receptor-4 are expressed in discrete neuronal populations in the PVN and are regulated by projections containing Augα and AgRP, respectively, demonstrating that two distinct mechanisms that regulate pigmentation operate in the hypothalamus to control body weight. These experiments show that Alk-driven cancers were co-opted from a neuronal pathway in control of body weight, offering therapeutic opportunities for metabolic diseases and cancer.

Background: Genetic mutations in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) have been strongly associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other progressive dementias. In the brain, TREM2 protein is specifically expressed on microglia suggesting their active involvement in driving disease pathology. Using various transgenic AD models to interfere with microglial function through TREM2, several recent studies provided important data indicating a causal link between TREM2 and underlying amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. However, mechanisms by which TREM2 contributes to increased predisposition to clinical AD and influences its progression still remain largely unknown., Objective: Our aim was to elucidate the potential contribution of TREM2 on specific oscillatory dynamic changes associated with AD pathophysiology., Methods: Spontaneous and brainstem nucleus pontis oralis stimulation-induced hippocampal oscillation paradigm was used to investigate the impact of TREM2 haploinsufficiency TREM2(Het) or total deficiency TREM2(Hom) on hippocampal network function in wild-type and Aβ overproducing Tg2576 mice under urethane anesthesia., Results: Partial (TREM2(Het)) or total (TREM2(Hom)) deletion of TREM2 led to increased incidence of spontaneous epileptiform seizures in both wild-type and Tg2576 mice. Importantly, deficiency of TREM2 in Tg2576 mice significantly diminished power of theta oscillation in the hippocampus elicited by brainstem-stimulation compared to wild-type mice. However, it did not affect hippocampal theta-phase gamma-amplitude coupling significantly, since over a 60%reduction was found in coupling in Tg2576 mice regardless of TREM2 function., Conclusion: Our findings indicate a role for TREM2-dependent microglial function in the hippocampal neuronal excitability in both wild type and Aβ overproducing mice, whereas deficiency in TREM2 function exacerbates disruptive effects of Aβ on hippocampal network oscillations.

Hypothalamic astrocytes play pivotal roles in both nutrient sensing and the modulation of synaptic plasticity of hypothalamic neuronal circuits in control of feeding and systemic glucose and energy metabolism. Here, we show the relevance of astrocytic fatty acid (FA) homeostasis under the opposing control of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL-4) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the cellular adaptations of hypothalamic astrocytes and neurons to the changing metabolic milieu. We observed that increased availability of FA in astrocytes induced by cell- and time-selective knockdown of Angptl4 protected against diet-induced obesity, while cell- and time-selective knockdown of Angptl4 -regulated Ppar γ lead to elevated susceptibility to obesity. Overall, our results unravel a previously unidentified role for astrocytic FA metabolism in central control of body weight and glucose homeostasis.

Appropriate cristae remodeling is a determinant of mitochondrial function and bioenergetics and thus represents a crucial process for cellular metabolic adaptations. Here, we show that mitochondrial cristae architecture and expression of the master cristae-remodeling protein OPA1 in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which are key metabolic sensors implicated in energy balance control, is affected by fluctuations in nutrient availability. Genetic inactivation of OPA1 in POMC neurons causes dramatic alterations in cristae topology, mitochondrial Ca 2+ handling, reduction in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in target areas, hyperphagia, and attenuated white adipose tissue (WAT) lipolysis resulting in obesity. Pharmacological blockade of mitochondrial Ca 2+ influx restores α-MSH and the lipolytic program, while improving the metabolic defects of mutant mice. Chemogenetic manipulation of POMC neurons confirms a role in lipolysis control. Our results unveil a novel axis that connects OPA1 in POMC neurons with mitochondrial cristae, Ca 2+ homeostasis, and WAT lipolysis in the regulation of energy balance., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that challenges immune cells to reprogram their mitochondrial metabolism towards to increase ATP synthesis for building an appropriate immunity. This could print metabolic signatures in mitochondria whose association with disease progression and clinical outcomes remain elusive., Method: This is a single-center prospective cohort study performed in the ICU of one tertiary referral hospital in Brazil. Between November 2017 and July 2018, 90 consecutive patients, aged 18 years or older, admitted to the ICU with septic shock were enrolled. Seventy-five patients had Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS 3) assessed at admission, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) assessed on the first (D1) and third (D3) days after admission. Mitochondrial respiration linked to complexes I, II, V, and biochemical coupling efficiency (BCE) were assessed at D1 and D3 and Δ (D3-D1) in isolated lymphocytes. Clinical and mitochondrial endpoints were used to dichotomize the survival and death outcomes. Our primary outcome was 6-month mortality, and secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital ward mortality., Results: The mean SAPS 3 and SOFA scores at septic shock diagnosis were 75.8 (± 12.9) and 8 (± 3) points, respectively. The cumulative ICU, hospital ward, and 6-month mortality were 32 (45%), 43 (57%), and 50 (66%), respectively. At the ICU, non-surviving patients presented elevated arterial lactate (2.8 mmol/L, IQR, 2-4), C-reactive protein (220 mg/L, IQR, 119-284), and capillary refill time (5.5 s, IQR, 3-8). Respiratory rates linked to CII at D1 and D3, and ΔCII were decreased in non-surviving patients. Also, the BCE at D1 and D3 and the ΔBCE discriminated patients who would evolve to death in the ICU, hospital ward, and 6 months after admission. After adjusting for possible confounders, the ΔBCE value but not SOFA scores was independently associated with 6-month mortality (RR 0.38, CI 95% 0.18-0.78; P = 0.009). At a cut-off of - 0.002, ΔBCE displayed 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity for predicting 6-month mortality CONCLUSIONS: The ΔBCE signature in lymphocytes provided an earlier recognition of septic shock patients in the ICU at risk of long-term deterioration of health status., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Hepatic uptake and biosynthesis of fatty acids (FA), as well as the partitioning of FA into oxidative, storage, and secretory pathways are tightly regulated processes. Dysregulation of one or more of these processes can promote excess hepatic lipid accumulation, ultimately leading to systemic metabolic dysfunction. Angiopoietin-like-4 (ANGPTL4) is a secretory protein that inhibits lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and modulates triacylglycerol (TAG) homeostasis. To understand the role of ANGPTL4 in liver lipid metabolism under normal and high-fat fed conditions, we generated hepatocyte specific Angptl4 mutant mice (Hmut). Using metabolic turnover studies, we demonstrate that hepatic Angptl4 deficiency facilitates catabolism of TAG-rich lipoprotein (TRL) remnants in the liver via increased hepatic lipase (HL) activity, which results in a significant reduction in circulating TAG and cholesterol levels. Consequently, depletion of hepatocyte Angptl4 protects against diet-induce obesity, glucose intolerance, liver steatosis, and atherogenesis. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that loss of Angptl4 in hepatocytes promotes FA uptake which results in increased FA oxidation, ROS production, and AMPK activation. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of a targeted pharmacologic therapy that specifically inhibits Angptl4 gene expression in the liver and protects against diet-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and liver damage, which likely occurs via increased HL activity. Notably, this novel inhibition strategy does not cause any of the deleterious effects previously observed with neutralizing antibodies.

The development of the next generation therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a huge challenge given the number of promising treatment candidates that failed in trials, despite recent advancements in understanding of genetic, pathophysiologic and clinical characteristics of the disease. This review reflects some of the most current concepts and controversies in developing disease-modifying and new symptomatic treatments. It elaborates on recent changes in the AD research strategy for broadening drug targets, and potentials of emerging non-pharmacological treatment interventions. Established and novel biomarkers are discussed, including emerging cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers reflecting tau pathology, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. These fluid biomarkers together with neuroimaging findings can provide innovative objective assessments of subtle changes in brain reflecting disease progression. A particular emphasis is given to neurophysiological biomarkers which are well-suited for evaluating the brain overall neural network integrity and function. Combination of multiple biomarkers, including target engagement and outcome biomarkers will empower translational studies and facilitate successful development of effective therapies., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Microglia have been implicated in synapse remodeling by phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the adult brain, but the mechanisms involved in the regulation of this process are ill-defined. By examining microglia-neuronal interaction in the ventral hippocampus, we found a significant reduction in spine synapse number during the light phase of the light/dark cycle accompanied by increased microglia-synapse contacts and an elevated amount of microglial phagocytic inclusions. This was followed by a transient rise in microglial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a concurrent increase in expression of uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2), a regulator of mitochondrial ROS generation. Conditional ablation of Ucp2 from microglia hindered phasic elimination of spine synapses with consequent accumulations of ROS and lysosome-lipid droplet complexes, which resulted in hippocampal neuronal circuit dysfunctions assessed by electrophysiology, and altered anxiety-like behavior. These observations unmasked a novel and chronotypical interaction between microglia and neurons involved in the control of brain functions., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Increasing age is the strongest predictor of risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Immunometabolic switch from glycolysis to ketolysis protects against inflammatory damage and influenza infection in adults. To investigate how age compromises defense against coronavirus infection, and whether a pro-longevity ketogenic diet (KD) impacts immune surveillance, we developed an aging model of natural murine beta coronavirus (mCoV) infection with mouse hepatitis virus strain-A59 (MHV-A59). When inoculated intranasally, mCoV is pneumotropic and recapitulates several clinical hallmarks of COVID-19 infection. Aged mCoV-A59-infected mice have increased mortality and higher systemic inflammation in the heart, adipose tissue, and hypothalamus, including neutrophilia and loss of γδ T cells in lungs. Activation of ketogenesis in aged mice expands tissue protective γδ T cells, deactivates the NLRP3 inflammasome, and decreases pathogenic monocytes in lungs of infected aged mice. These data establish harnessing of the ketogenic immunometabolic checkpoint as a potential treatment against coronavirus infection in the aged., Competing Interests: SR, IS, YY, HQ, BH, TD, XZ, YY, CB, CF, YS, KK, TH, MD, MA, AW, VD No competing interests declared, (© 2021, Ryu et al.)

Pathologies of the micro- and macrovascular systems are a hallmark of the metabolic syndrome, which can lead to chronically elevated blood pressure. However, the underlying pathomechanisms involved still need to be clarified. Here, we report that an obesity-associated increase in serum leptin triggers the select expansion of the micro-angioarchitecture in pre-autonomic brain centers that regulate hemodynamic homeostasis. By using a series of cell- and region-specific loss- and gain-of-function models, we show that this pathophysiological process depends on hypothalamic astroglial hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF1α-VEGF) signaling downstream of leptin signaling. Importantly, several distinct models of HIF1α-VEGF pathway disruption in astrocytes are protected not only from obesity-induced hypothalamic angiopathy but also from sympathetic hyperactivity or arterial hypertension. These results suggest that hyperleptinemia promotes obesity-induced hypertension via a HIF1α-VEGF signaling cascade in hypothalamic astrocytes while establishing a novel mechanistic link that connects hypothalamic micro-angioarchitecture with control over systemic blood pressure., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The etiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires non-genetically modified animal models., Methods: The relationship of tau phosphorylation to calcium-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) dysregulation was analyzed in aging rhesus macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and rat primary cortical neurons using biochemistry and immuno-electron microscopy. The influence of calcium leak from ryanodine receptors (RyRs) on neuronal firing and cognitive performance was examined in aged macaques., Results: Aged monkeys naturally develop hyperphosphorylated tau, including AD biomarkers (AT8 (pS202/pT205) and pT217) and early tau pathology markers (pS214 and pS356) that correlated with evidence of increased calcium leak (pS2808-RyR2). Calcium also regulated early tau phosphorylation in vitro. Age-related reductions in the calcium-binding protein, calbindin, and in phosphodiesterase PDE4D were seen within dlPFC pyramidal cell dendrites. Blocking RyRs with S107 improved neuronal firing and cognitive performance in aged macaques., Discussion: Dysregulated calcium signaling confers risk for tau pathology and provides a potential therapeutic target., (© 2021 The Authors. Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.)

In the presence of high abundance of exogenous fatty acids, cells either store fatty acids in lipid droplets or oxidize them in mitochondria. In this study, we aimed to explore a novel and direct role of mitochondrial fission in lipid homeostasis in HeLa cells. We observed the association between mitochondrial morphology and lipid droplet accumulation in response to high exogenous fatty acids. We inhibited mitochondrial fission by silencing dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1) and observed the shift in fatty acid storage-usage balance. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission resulted in an increase in fatty acid content of lipid droplets and a decrease in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Next, we overexpressed carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), a key mitochondrial protein in fatty acid oxidation, to further examine the relationship between mitochondrial fatty acid usage and mitochondrial morphology. Mitochondrial fission plays a role in distributing exogenous fatty acids. CPT1A controlled the respiratory rate of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation but did not cause a shift in the distribution of fatty acids between mitochondria and lipid droplets. Our data reveals a novel function for mitochondrial fission in balancing exogenous fatty acids between usage and storage, assigning a role for mitochondrial dynamics in control of intracellular fuel utilization and partitioning.

Hypothalamic feeding circuits have been identified as having innate synaptic plasticity, mediating adaption to the changing metabolic milieu by controlling responses to feeding and obesity. However, less is known about the regulatory principles underlying the dynamic changes in agouti-related protein (AgRP) perikarya, a region crucial for gating of neural excitation and, hence, feeding. Here we show that AgRP neurons activated by food deprivation, ghrelin administration, or chemogenetics decreased their own inhibitory tone while triggering mitochondrial adaptations in neighboring astrocytes. We found that it was the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA released by AgRP neurons that evoked this astrocytic response; this in turn resulted in increased glial ensheetment of AgRP perikarya by glial processes and increased excitability of AgRP neurons. We also identified astrocyte-derived prostaglandin E2, which directly activated - via EP2 receptors - AgRP neurons. Taken together, these observations unmasked a feed-forward, self-exciting loop in AgRP neuronal control mediated by astrocytes, a mechanism directly relevant for hunger, feeding, and overfeeding.

Objective: The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is a critical component of the forebrain pathways that regulate energy homeostasis. It also plays an important role in the metabolic response to fasting. However, the mechanisms contributing to these physiological processes remain elusive. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis by turning over cellular components and providing nutrients to the cells during starvation. Here, we investigated the importance of the autophagy-related gene Atg7 in Sf1-expressing neurons of the VMH in control and fasted conditions., Methods: We generated Sf1-Cre; Atg7 loxP/loxP mice and examined their metabolic and cellular response to fasting., Results: Fasting induces autophagy in the VMH, and mice lacking Atg7 in Sf1-expressing neurons display altered leptin sensitivity and impaired energy expenditure regulation in response to fasting. Moreover, loss of Atg7 in Sf1 neurons causes alterations in the central response to fasting. Furthermore, alterations in mitochondria morphology and activity are observed in mutant mice., Conclusion: Together, these data show that autophagy is nutritionally regulated in VMH neurons and that VMH autophagy participates in the control of energy homeostasis during fasting., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of a pandemic with growing global mortality. Using comprehensive identification of RNA-binding proteins by mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS), we identified 309 host proteins that bind the SARS-CoV-2 RNA during active infection. Integration of this data with ChIRP-MS data from three other RNA viruses defined viral specificity of RNA-host protein interactions. Targeted CRISPR screens revealed that the majority of functional RNA-binding proteins protect the host from virus-induced cell death, and comparative CRISPR screens across seven RNA viruses revealed shared and SARS-specific antiviral factors. Finally, by combining the RNA-centric approach and functional CRISPR screens, we demonstrated a physical and functional connection between SARS-CoV-2 and mitochondria, highlighting this organelle as a general platform for antiviral activity. Altogether, these data provide a comprehensive catalog of functional SARS-CoV-2 RNA-host protein interactions, which may inform studies to understand the host-virus interface and nominate host pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic benefit., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests A.T.S. is a scientific co-founder of Immunai and receives research funding from Arsenal Biosciences and 10x Genomics. K.R.P., H.Y.C., and A.T.S. are co-founders of Cartography Biosciences. H.Y.C. is a co-founder of Accent Therapeutics, Boundless Bio, and an advisor for 10x Genomics, Arsenal Biosciences, and Spring Discovery. Yale University (C.B.W.) has a patent pending related to this work entitled: “Compounds and Compositions for Treating, Ameliorating, and/or Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection and/or Complications Thereof.” Yale University has committed to rapidly executable non-exclusive royalty-free licenses to intellectual property rights for the purpose of making and distributing products to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19 infection during the pandemic and for a short period thereafter., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Adiponectin is essential for the regulation of tissue substrate utilization and systemic insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies have suggested a positive association of circulating adiponectin with healthspan and lifespan. However, the direct effects of adiponectin on promoting healthspan and lifespan remain unexplored. Here, we are using an adiponectin null mouse and a transgenic adiponectin overexpression model. We directly assessed the effects of circulating adiponectin on the aging process and found that adiponectin null mice display exacerbated age-related glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. Moreover, adiponectin null mice have a significantly shortened lifespan on both chow and high-fat diet. In contrast, a transgenic mouse model with elevated circulating adiponectin levels has a dramatically improved systemic insulin sensitivity, reduced age-related tissue inflammation and fibrosis, and a prolonged healthspan and median lifespan. These results support a role of adiponectin as an essential regulator for healthspan and lifespan., Competing Interests: NL, SZ, ZZ, YZ, CG, LV, YA, MW, YD, QZ, BS, AS, TO, OO, RG, RG, ML, TH, VD, PS No competing interests declared, (© 2021, Li et al.)

Mutations in KCNC3, which encodes the Kv3.3 potassium channel, cause degeneration of the cerebellum, but exactly how the activity of an ion channel is linked to the survival of cerebellar neurons is not understood. Here, we report that Kv3.3 channels bind and stimulate Tank Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1), an enzyme that controls trafficking of membrane proteins into multivesicular bodies, and that this stimulation is greatly increased by a disease-causing Kv3.3 mutation. TBK1 activity is required for the binding of Kv3.3 to its auxiliary subunit Hax-1, which prevents channel inactivation with depolarization. Hax-1 is also an anti-apoptotic protein required for survival of cerebellar neurons. Overactivation of TBK1 by the mutant channel leads to the loss of Hax-1 by its accumulation in multivesicular bodies and lysosomes, and also stimulates exosome release from neurons. This process is coupled to activation of caspases and increased cell death. Our studies indicate that Kv3.3 channels are directly coupled to TBK1-dependent biochemical pathways that determine the trafficking of cellular constituents and neuronal survival.

Since their discovery decades ago, the primary physiological and pathological effects of potassium channels have been attributed to their ion conductance, which sets membrane potential and repolarizes action potentials. For example, Kv3 family channels regulate neurotransmitter release by repolarizing action potentials. Here we report a surprising but crucial function independent of potassium conductance: by organizing the F-actin cytoskeleton in mouse nerve terminals, the Kv3.3 protein facilitates slow endocytosis, rapid endocytosis, vesicle mobilization to the readily releasable pool, and recovery of synaptic depression during repetitive firing. A channel mutation that causes spinocerebellar ataxia inhibits endocytosis, vesicle mobilization, and synaptic transmission during repetitive firing by disrupting the ability of the channel to nucleate F-actin. These results unmask novel functions of potassium channels in endocytosis and vesicle mobilization crucial for sustaining synaptic transmission during repetitive firing. Potassium channel mutations that impair these "non-conducting" functions may thus contribute to generation of diverse neurological disorders., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

There are currently limited Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Enhanced understanding of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and pathogenesis is critical for the development of therapeutics. To provide insight into viral replication, cell tropism, and host-viral interactions of SARS-CoV-2, we performed single-cell (sc) RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of experimentally infected human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures over a time course. This revealed novel polyadenylated viral transcripts and highlighted ciliated cells as a major target at the onset of infection, which we confirmed by electron and immunofluorescence microscopy. Over the course of infection, the cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2 expands to other epithelial cell types including basal and club cells. Infection induces cell-intrinsic expression of type I and type III interferons (IFNs) and interleukin (IL)-6 but not IL-1. This results in expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in both infected and bystander cells. This provides a detailed characterization of genes, cell types, and cell state changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the human airway., Competing Interests: Yale University (CBW) has a patent pending related to this work entitled: “Compounds and Compositions for Treating, Ameliorating, and/or Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection and/or Complications Thereof.” Yale University has committed to rapidly executable non-exclusive royalty-free licenses to intellectual property rights for the purpose of making and distributing products to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19 infection during the pandemic and for a short period thereafter.

The hypothalamic orexigenic Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are crucial for the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. Here, we show that fasting-induced AgRP neuronal activation is associated with dynamin-related peptide 1 (DRP1)-mediated mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial fatty acid utilization in AgRP neurons. In line with this, mice lacking Dnm1l in adult AgRP neurons (Drp1 cKO) show decreased fasting- or ghrelin-induced AgRP neuronal activity and feeding and exhibited a significant decrease in body weight, fat mass, and feeding accompanied by a significant increase in energy expenditure. In support of the role for mitochondrial fission and fatty acids oxidation, Drp1 cKO mice showed attenuated palmitic acid-induced mitochondrial respiration. Altogether, our data revealed that mitochondrial dynamics and fatty acids oxidation in hypothalamic AgRP neurons is a critical mechanism for AgRP neuronal function and body-weight regulation., Competing Interests: SJ, NY, ZL, JS, TH, JK, SD No competing interests declared, (© 2021, Jin et al.)