Lateral hypothalamus and eating: cell types, molecular identity, anatomy, temporal dynamics and functional roles

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) is a central hub orchestrating eating behavior through its complex cellular, anatomical and temporal organization. The LH is characterized by high heterogeneity and functional complexity, with many aspects still unexplored. Here we synthesize recent advances in understanding the role of the LH in eating regulation across multiple dimensions. At the cellular level, the LH contains diverse neuronal populations that contribute to distinct roles in behavior. Anatomically, we divided the LH into four regions-anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial and posterolateral-each with unique cellular compositions, circuit organizations and projection patterns. By integrating the temporal dynamics of each LH cell type during eating behavior, we identified how various LH cell types are involved in regulating the appetitive and consummatory phases of eating behavior. The LH also plays vital roles in associative learning and different types of eating behavior, including homeostatic, pleasure-induced and stress-induced eating. These insights into LH organization and function provide promising directions for therapeutic interventions in eating disorders and obesity, including drugs, deep brain stimulation and gene therapy.