Identification of molecular mechanisms of inter-organ neuronal network in body weight regulation

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26293215
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Metabolomics
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Yamada Tetsuya 東北大学, 医学系研究科, 准教授 (90400374)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: エネルギー代謝 / 神経

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We previously demonstrated that afferent neuronal signals are transmitted to the brain according to alterations in fat accumulation in the liver thereby enhancing energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue (BAT). On the other hand, we recently identified a novel positive-feedback system for promoting weight gain by suppressing energy expenditure in BAT when there are sign of energy abundance in the liver. The aim of this study was to detect particular molecule that is responsible for initiating afferent neuronal signal at the liver. A comprehensive screening with mass spectrometry revealed two peptides and one metabolite that could be such candidates, but after further experiments, we found out that neither of them was actually involved in the neuronal network connecting the liver and systemic energy metabolism. These results suggest that substance (s) other than peptides or metabolites might initiate the neural network at the liver.

Free Research Field

エネルギー代謝