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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
08:06
A Microfluidics Approach for the Functional Investigation of Signaling Oscillations Governing Somitogenesis
Published on: March 19, 2021
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Developmental specification of metabolic circuitry.
Amanda E Elson1, Richard B Simerly1
1The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
|September 27, 2015
Summary
Understanding how the hypothalamus regulates energy balance is key to metabolic programming. This review explores developmental neurobiology of neural pathways influencing energy balance and metabolic phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- The hypothalamus is central to energy balance regulation, communicating with the brainstem and spinal cord.
- Perinatal environmental factors significantly influence metabolic phenotype, highlighting the importance of developmental pathways.
- Understanding neural pathway formation is crucial for identifying targets for metabolic programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental neurobiology of hypothalamic circuitry involved in energy balance.
- To identify key signaling pathways and regulatory nodes for metabolic programming.
- To connect advances in hypothalamic gene expression and neuroendocrine control to metabolic programming.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on developmental neurobiology of energy balance circuitry.
- Synthesis of recent findings on hypothalamic gene expression and cellular specification.
- Analysis of hormonal control in central neuroendocrine pathways relevant to metabolism.
Main Results:
- The hypothalamus utilizes core circuitry to regulate energy balance.
- Gene expression and hormonal signaling during perinatal development are critical for metabolic programming.
- Several key regulatory nodes in the hypothalamus are implicated in metabolic programming.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating the developmental neurobiology of hypothalamic pathways is essential for understanding and potentially modifying metabolic programming.
- Targeting identified regulatory nodes offers potential strategies for addressing metabolic disorders.
- Further research into signaling pathways governing hypothalamic development can inform interventions for metabolic health.
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