POMC Neurons: From Birth to Death

Abstract

The hypothalamus is an evolutionarily conserved brain structure that regulates an organism’s basic functions, such as homeostasis and reproduction. Several hypothalamic nuclei and neuronal circuits have been the focus of many studies to understand their role in regulating these basic functions. Within the hypothalamic neuronal populations, the arcuate melanocortin system plays a major role in controlling homeostatic functions. The arcuate pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in particular have been shown to be critical regulators of metabolism and reproduction because of their projections to several brain areas both in and outside of the hypothalamus, such as autonomic regions of the brain stem and spinal cord. Here, we review and discuss the current understanding of POMC neurons from their development and intracellular regulators to their physiological functions and pathological dysregulation.

MicroRNA miR-7 and miR-17-92 in POMC neurons are associated with sex-specific regulation of diet-induced obesity

“…Given the role of POMC neurons in food intake, energy expenditure and glucose metabolism (Toda et al, 2017), we examined whether miR-7 is involved in regulating these processes. To knock down miR-7 expression, the miRNA sponge technology is applied (Pollock et al, 2014).…”

“…Hypothalamus is a conserved brain structure that regulates several basic life processes such as feeding, energy expenditure, sleep and wakefulness (Clifford & Bradford, 2015;Dietrich & Horvath, 2013;Saper et al, 2005). The arcuate nucleus (ARC) arises from cells located in the hypothalamic ventricular zone (HVZ) through progressive proliferation, lateral migration and differentiation (Mcclellan et al, 2008;Shimogori et al, 2010;Toda et al, 2017). The ARC consists of two major types of neurons, orexigenic neurons that produce neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) (Joly et al, 2010;Mercer et al, 2011), and anorexigenic neurons that produce proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine-and amphetamine-related transcript (CART) (Gao & Sun, 2016;Greenman et al, 2013).…”

“…The ARC consists of two major types of neurons, orexigenic neurons that produce neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) (Joly et al, 2010;Mercer et al, 2011), and anorexigenic neurons that produce proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine-and amphetamine-related transcript (CART) (Gao & Sun, 2016;Greenman et al, 2013). POMC neurons are identified as early as embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) in the mouse brain and their functional circuits become mature by two-weeks-old (Coupe & Bouret, 2013;Toda et al, 2017). Studies have shown that POMC neurons function in decreasing food intake (Clifford & Bradford, 2015), regulating glucose metabolism (Berglund et al, 2012;Parton et al, 2007;Smith et al, 2015), and promoting fat burning (Dodd et al, 2015).…”

Genetically Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Secreting GLP‐1 Analog Exhibits Potential Antiobesity Effect in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity Mice

“…This homeostatic control is maintained by neurons in various brain regions, among which the hypothalamus is believed to be the key brain area in regulation . The arcuate melanocortin neurons consist of two distinct neuronal populations, which have totally opposite effects on energy intake and expenditure . AgRP and NpY increase food intake and decrease energy expenditure; POMC acts as a break to reduce food intake and induce energy expenditure .…”

Activation of prodynorphin neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus inhibits food intake and promotes positive valence

“…Food intake is regulated by homeostatic controls of appetite that induce hunger (feeding), satiation (suppression of feeding), and satiety (post-meal termination of hunger) 1,2 . Recent studies have identified neurons and neuronal circuits that regulate food intake [3][4][5][6] . For example, the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) contains various cell types, and receives endocrine and exogenous signals that regulate feeding behaviours.…”