Neuronal Fatty Acids and the Regulation of Metabolism

Ut Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Abstract Lipids act as cues in key groups of neurons that regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis. In the past grant period, we discovered that vagal sensory neurons are highly enriched for ?lipid-sensing? genes, including nuclear receptors such as PPAR? and the LXRs. We also uncovered enrichment of putative lipid transporters including the long-chain fatty acid (FA) transporter CD36. We found that deletion of the nuclear receptors PPAR?, LXR?, and LXR? from sensory neurons protected mice from developing diet-induced obesity. However, the physiological importance of the transport of lipids into vagal neurons remains unknown. In the current application, we will directly test the hypothesis that FA uptake in vagal sensory neurons is required to regulate energy balance in the setting of high fat diet exposure. Recent and significant evidence also suggests that neuronal lipid levels in the hypothalamus control peripheral metabolism. A prevalent model that has emerged predicts that the intermediate malonyl-CoA is required for hypothalamic neurons to respond normally to hormone and nutrient signals. Hypothalamic levels of malonyl-CoA change significantly depending on energy status, but it is unknown which cell types and which neuronal populations are responsible for these effects. In the past grant period, we found that melanocortin neurons regulate the ?browning? of white adipose tissue and hepatic insulin sensitivity. In the current application, we will determine if alterations of the levels of malonyl CoA in Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis, especially in the liver and adipose tissue.