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Neural circuits and motivational processes for hunger
Scott M Sternson1, J Nicholas Betley, Zhen Fang Huang Cao
1Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA. sternsons@janelia.hhmi.org
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|May 8, 2013
Summary
Internal body states, like hunger, drive complex behaviors. Researchers are uncovering the specific brain circuits, particularly in the hypothalamus, that control these motivated actions and eating behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Organismal actions are strongly influenced by internal physiological states, such as hunger or dehydration.
- These internal states modulate the intensity and intent of behaviors, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain largely unknown.
- Understanding the neural basis of motivated behaviors is crucial for comprehending how internal states translate into actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in analyzing neural circuits that mediate behavioral responses to physiological state changes.
- To focus on the neural circuit analysis of hunger in mice, specifically examining a starvation-sensitive hypothalamic neuron population.
- To explore motivational processes underlying hunger and consider bridging the gap between homeostatic and motivational neural circuits.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing molecular genetics, optogenetics, and pharmacogenetics to perturb neuron function.
- Employing cell type-selective dissection of neural circuits.
- Focusing on the hypothalamus and specific neuron populations in mouse models.
Main Results:
- Identified a starvation-sensitive neuron population in the hypothalamus.
- Demonstrated that this neuron population is sufficient to promote voracious eating.
- Highlighted the role of specific neural circuits in mediating hunger-driven behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Recent progress has been made in dissecting neural circuits controlling motivated behaviors in response to internal states.
- A specific hypothalamic neuron population plays a key role in regulating hunger and feeding.
- Further research is needed to bridge the understanding of homeostatic and motivational neural circuits underlying hunger.
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