Elucidation of the mechanism of hypothermia induced by a newly discovered hypothalamic small protein

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06768
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44050:Animal physiological chemistry, physiology and behavioral biology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Iwakoshi Eiko 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(総), 特任准教授 (50311296)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 視床下部 / 熱産生 / 褐色脂肪組織 / 神経ペプチド

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have discovered a novel small secretory protein, NPGL, in the hypothalamus. Previous studies in rodents have found that NPGL promotes fat accumulation in white adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NPGL on reducing thermogenesis in rodents. In this study, we found that NPGL decreased thermogenesis through fat synthesis and fat accumulation in brown adipose tissue. Morphological analysis revealed that approximately 50% of NPGL-producing cells were GABAergic neurons. This study shows that NPGL produced in the hypothalamus has the function of lowering energy expenditure and thermogenesis.

Free Research Field

神経生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

我々ヒトを含めた哺乳類は恒温度物であり、体温調節は極めて重要である。体温調節の制御理解は、熱中症や低体温症の対策・予防にも繋がる。研究代表者らが発見した新規脳因子のNPGLは脂肪蓄積や肥満などに関わることを見出していたが、本研究の遂行により、褐色脂肪組織の熱産生を抑制していることが明らかになった。本研究成果は、エネルギー代謝調節機構の解明へ重要な新知見を加えたため、学術的にも社会的にも大きな意義を持つ研究であると考えている。