Investigating appetite control by G protein-coupled receptors

National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to understand the key cellular and neural circuit mechanisms by which pharmacological activation of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling controls eating especially when foods are palatable and engage addiction-associated neural circuits. We hypothesize that GPCR signaling changes with chronic pharmacological anti-obesity treatment and that more precise combinations of pharmacological agents may enhance the efficacy of these treatments. We use quantitative fluorescence measurements including fluorescence lifetime of genetically encoded biosensors to track GPCR signaling over weeks in the same neuronal populations in awake behaving mice. We investigate how obesity and chronic anti-obesity treatments impact this GPCR signaling. This year, the lab focused on using photometry and microscopy equipment to reliably measure GPCR signaling in live mice during ongoing behavior and changes in hungry state. We develop viral and transgenic mouse approaches to investigate and causally manipulate GPCR signaling in key brain areas. Preliminary data was acquired setting the foundation for future studies in the next year.