Leptin leads hypothalamic feeding circuits in a new direction

BioEssays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Joanne A Harrold

Abstract

A decade ago, leptin (from the greek lepto meaning 'thin') was identified as the product of the ob gene.1 This adipocyte-derived hormone was found to suppress feeding and stimulate thermogenesis, and was thus proposed as a mediator in a negative feedback loop that controls body adiposity. This discovery led to a rapid revolution in the understanding of neurobiological mechanisms regulating obesity. However, while leptin's first life was as an adipostat, it is now known to have a wide range of additional neuroendocrine, metabolic and behavioural functions in the CNS and periphery. Remarkably, the pleiotropic nature of the hormone continues to be extended with the recent publication of two papers that expand on leptin's neurobiological actions in the CNS.2,3 They indicate novel regulatory roles for the hormone in both synaptic plasticity and axon guidance. Crucially, in light of the rising incidence of obesity in modern society, both of the studies reveal leptin-mediated links between nutrition and neurodevelopment, findings that have further implications for leptin's role in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

References

Mar 1, 1995·Progress in Neurobiology·M D Madeira, A R Lieberman
Aug 25, 2001·Annual Review of Neuroscience·R Yuste, T Bonhoeffer
Oct 9, 2002·Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism : TEM·David J P Barker
Oct 18, 2002·Neuron·Clifford B SaperJoel K Elmquist
Apr 6, 2004·Science·Sebastien G BouretRichard B Simerly
Apr 6, 2004·Science·Shirly PintoTamas L Horvath

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Citations

Mar 22, 2006·Physiology & Behavior·Thomas V GetchellMarilyn L Getchell
Nov 19, 2005·Peptides·Susan A FarrJohn E Morley

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