Repository logo
 

Functional heterogeneity of POMC neurons relies on mTORC1 signaling.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Saucisse, Nicolas 
Mazier, Wilfrid 
Simon, Vincent 
Binder, Elke 
Catania, Caterina 

Abstract

Hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are known to trigger satiety. However, these neuronal cells encompass heterogeneous subpopulations that release γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, or both neurotransmitters, whose functions are poorly defined. Using conditional mutagenesis and chemogenetics, we show that blockade of the energy sensor mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in POMC neurons causes hyperphagia by mimicking a cellular negative energy state. This is associated with decreased POMC-derived anorexigenic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and recruitment of POMC/GABAergic neurotransmission, which is restrained by cannabinoid type 1 receptor signaling. Electrophysiology and optogenetic studies further reveal that pharmacological blockade of mTORC1 simultaneously activates POMC/GABAergic neurons and inhibits POMC/glutamatergic ones, implying that the functional specificity of these subpopulations relies on mTORC1 activity. Finally, POMC neurons with different neurotransmitter profiles possess specific molecular signatures and spatial distribution. Altogether, these findings suggest that mTORC1 orchestrates the activity of distinct POMC neurons subpopulations to regulate feeding behavior.

Description

Keywords

CB(1) receptor, Endocannabinoid, Food intake, GABA, Glutamate, Melanocortin, POMC neuron, mTOR, Animals, Appetite Regulation, Feeding Behavior, GABAergic Neurons, Glutamic Acid, Male, Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Knockout, Neural Inhibition, Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus, Phenotype, Pro-Opiomelanocortin, Signal Transduction, Mice

Journal Title

Cell Rep

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2211-1247
2211-1247

Volume Title

37

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (211221/Z/18/Z)
MRC (MR/P501967/1)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12012/1)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_12012/5)
MRC (MR/S026193/1)
MRC (MC_UU_00014/1)
MRC (MC_UU_00014/5)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/S017593/1)
Medical Research Council (MC_PC_12012)
Relationships
Is derived from: