Neurons That Regulate Appetite and Contribute to Obesity Identified
Researchers identify a neuron cluster that regulates feeding and influences obesity, offering new targets for treatment.
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Researchers have identified a distinct group of nerve cells in the brains of mice that influence food intake and contribute to obesity. These cells, known as PNOC/NPY neurons, have also been found in the human brain.
PNOC/NPY neurons
A specific type of nerve cell in the brain that produces the peptides prepronociceptin (PNOC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), both involved in regulating appetite and energy balance.Using advanced genetic and molecular techniques, the team analysed these neurons at the single-cell level and categorized them into different clusters. Among these, only one specific cluster was found to regulate feeding behavior.
Role of leptin receptors in appetite regulation
Earlier research demonstrated that PNOC neurons in the hypothalamus show increased activity in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Further investigation revealed that about 10% of these neurons possess receptors for leptin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue that suppresses appetite.
Leptin
A hormone produced by fat tissue that signals the brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure.Leptin receptor
A protein on the surface of certain neurons that binds leptin and mediates its appetite-suppressing effects.When leptin receptors were removed from this neuron cluster, the mice exhibited increased food consumption and gained excess weight. This finding indicates that a relatively small subset of these neurons can significantly affect body weight.
Future directions in obesity treatment research
The research team plans to continue studying these nerve cells to uncover additional molecular targets that could be modulated by drugs.
"We hope that drugs that act on this specialized group of nerve cells will offer promising alternative therapies."
Dr. Jens Brüning.
The goal is to develop new therapies that specifically act on this subset of neurons to help control obesity. However, the researchers emphasize that translating these findings into treatments for humans will require further work.
Reference: Solheim MH, Stroganov S, Chen W, et al. Hypothalamic PNOC/NPY neurons constitute mediators of leptin-controlled energy homeostasis. Cell. 2025:S0092867425004039. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.04.001
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