Neuropeptide Y stimulates autophagy in hypothalamic neurons
Abstract
Aging is characterized by autophagy impairment that contributes to age-related disease aggravation. Moreover, it was described that the hypothalamus is a critical brain area for whole-body aging development and has impact on lifespan. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the major neuropeptides present in the hypothalamus, and it has been shown that, in aged animals, the hypothalamic NPY levels decrease. Because caloric restriction (CR) delays aging, at least in part, by stimulating autophagy, and also increases hypothalamic NPY levels, we hypothesized that NPY could have a relevant role on autophagy modulation in the hypothalamus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of NPY on autophagy in the hypothalamus. Using both hypothalamic neuronal in vitro models and mice overexpressing NPY in the hypothalamus, we observed that NPY stimulates autophagy in the hypothalamus. Mechanistically, in rodent hypothalamic neurons, NPY increases autophagy through the activation of NPY Y1 and Y5 receptors, and this effect is tightly associated with the concerted activation of PI3K, MEK/ERK, and PKA signaling pathways. Modulation of hypothalamic NPY levels may be considered a potential strategy to produce protective effects again...Continue Reading
References
Age-related bidirectional changes in neuropeptide Y peptides in rat adrenal glands, brain, and blood
Citations
Neuropeptide Y mitigates neuropathology and motor deficits in mouse models of Machado-Joseph disease
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
AKT Pathway
This feed focuses on the AKT serine/threonine kinase, which is an important signaling pathway involved in processes such as glucose metabolism and cell survival.
Brain Aging
Here is the latest research on intrinsic and extrinsic factors, as well as pathways and mechanisms that underlie aging in the central nervous system.
Cell Aging (Keystone)
This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on the mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.
Autophagy & Model Organisms
Autophagy is a cellular process that allows degradation by the lysosome of cytoplasmic components such as proteins or organelles. Here is the latest research on autophagy & model organisms
Cell Aging
This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.
Autophagy Networks
Autophagy is a lysosomal pathway that involves degradation of proteins and functions in normal growth and pathological conditions, through a series of complex networks. The catabolic process involves delivery of proteins and organelles to the lysosome. Here is the latest research on autophagy networks.