Glucocorticoid receptor action in metabolic and neuronal function

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Neuroendocrinology

Background:

• Glucocorticoids mediate physiological responses through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), influencing gene expression and signaling pathways.
• While in vitro studies elucidate GR
• gene regulation mechanisms, its in vivo responses to external signals in health and disease remain less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on GR
• action in adipocytes and hepatocytes, impacting metabolism in vivo.
• To examine the role of GR ligands and phosphorylation in modulating GR signaling in the brain for health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on in vivo studies of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) action.
• Analysis of research on GR
• ligands and receptor phosphorylation in brain signaling.
• Exploration of the communication between brain and adipose tissue.

Main Results:

• GR
• signaling in fat cells and the liver directly influences metabolic processes in vivo.
• GR ligand availability and receptor phosphorylation are key regulators of GR
• signaling output in the brain.
• Evidence suggests a critical "brain-fat axis" communication influencing physiology and behavior.

Conclusions:

• Understanding in vivo GR action in metabolic tissues and the brain is crucial for comprehending metabolic diseases.
• The brain-fat axis represents a significant pathway for physiological regulation and a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.