Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Real-time Analysis of Gut-brain Neural Communication: Cortex wide Calcium Dynamics in Response to Intestinal Glucose Stimulation
Published on: December 29, 2023
Asprosin promotes feeding through SK channel-dependent activation of AgRP neurons
Bing Feng1, Hesong Liu2, Ila Mishra3
1Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Abstract:
Asprosin, a recently identified adipokine, activates agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) via binding to protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor δ (Ptprd) to increase food intake. However, the intracellular mechanisms responsible for asprosin/Ptprd-mediated activation of AgRPARH neurons remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel is required for the stimulatory effects of asprosin/Ptprd on AgRPARH neurons. Specifically, we found that deficiency or elevation of circulating asprosin increased or decreased the SK current in AgRPARH neurons, respectively. AgRPARH-specific deletion of SK3 (an SK channel subtype highly expressed in AgRPARH neurons) blocked asprosin-induced AgRPARH activation and overeating. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade, genetic knockdown, or knockout of Ptprd abolished asprosin's effects on the SK current and AgRPARH neuronal activity. Therefore, our results demonstrated an essential asprosin-Ptprd-SK3 mechanism in asprosin-induced AgRPARH activation and hyperphagia, which is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Food Intake
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Parasympathetic Signaling
The effects of...
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Endocrine Signaling

