Prior mouse genetic research has set the stage for a deep understanding of appetite
regulation. This goal is now being realized through the use of recent technological …

During the past 30 yr, investigating the physiology of eating behaviors has generated a truly
vast literature. This is fueled in part by a dramatic increase in obesity and its comorbidities …

The initial discovery that ob/ob mice become obese because of a recessive mutation of the
leptin gene has been crucial to discover the melanocortin pathway to control appetite. In the …

Abstract Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-and agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing
neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) are oppositely regulated by …

The melanocortin system provides a conceptual blueprint for the central control of energetic
state. Defined by four principal molecular components—two antagonistically acting ligands …

Microscopy has gone hand in hand with the study of living systems since van Leeuwenhoek
observed living microorganisms and cells in 1674 using his light microscope. A spectrum of …

Activation of Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons potently promotes feeding, and
chronically altering their activity also affects peripheral glucose homeostasis. We …

Arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurons sense the fed or fasted state and regulate hunger. Agouti-
related protein (AgRP) neurons in the ARC (ARCAgRP neurons) are stimulated by fasting …

Fasting initiates a multitude of adaptations to allow survival. Activation of the hypothalamic–
pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and subsequent release of glucocorticoid hormones is a key …

Agouti-related-peptide (AgRP) neurons—interoceptive neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the
hypothalamus (ARC)—are both necessary and sufficient for driving feeding behavior. To …