Regulation of feeding behavior and metabolism by nutrient signaling through the brainstem-hypothalamus network

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16374
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Jikei University School of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Nagashima Takashi 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (80896233)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 栄養シグナル / 内的状態 / 情動 / 摂食行動 / 腕傍核（PB） / 傍視床下核（PSTN） / PACAP / マウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The present study demonstrated the role of various neural circuits, including the brainstem-hypothalamus pathway which is responsible for feeding regulation via emotional signaling. Although nutrition and emotion have tended to be studied independently, our findings contribute to the elucidation of the nutrition-emotion interaction mechanisms. Especially, the parasubthalamic nucleus located in the hypothalamus, is a brain region with few reports on its function. Therefore, the present study is expected to contribute to breakthroughs and further acceleration of research related to nutrition and emotion in the future. Furthermore, our findings will provide cues to the elucidation of diseases mechanisms associated with abnormal eating behavior and emotional dysregulation, as well as to the improvement of QOL through nutrition education.

Free Research Field

神経生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヒトや動物において摂食行動は、エネルギー摂取ひいては生存に直結する。摂食行動は動物の栄養状態に駆動される一方で、ストレスや恐怖などの内的環境や情動にも大きく左右されるが、その神経回路メカニズムには不明な点が多く存在した。本研究では、脳幹や視床下部などの回路基盤を解析し、ストレスなどの内的状態に応じた行動調節機構を明らかにした。本成果が、生命現象の根源的な理解に加えて、現代社会で喫緊の課題となっている慢性疾患や摂食障害、情動制御破綻と関連する様々な精神疾患のメカニズムの解明や、科学的な食育の解明及びそれを通じた健康増進、また食文化の理解までにも繋がることが期待される。