# Dissecting the role of neural inputs in the regulation of AgRP neurons

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2022 · $42,137

## Abstract

Project Abstract:
Proper regulation of food intake is essential for survival to prevent over- or under-feeding. Sensory signals
generated by the detection and consumption of food can modulate food intake. External sensory cues such as
the sight and smell of food and food cues can potentiate feeding, while internal sensory information from
nutrients and distension in the gastrointestinal tract can inhibit feeding. Yet how the brain integrates these two
streams of information to modulate feeding behavior is unclear. Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in the
arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) are a useful entry point into this question. ARCAgRP neurons are
both necessary and sufficient for feeding behavior, and they have been shown to integrate these two types of
sensory signals across two different time scales: rapid inhibition in response to the sight and smell of food, and
slower inhibition during intragastric delivery of food. However, the sources of these signals that modulate
ARCAgRP activity in response to sensory information are poorly understood. I propose here to address this
question by systematically testing two known neural inputs to ARCAgRP neurons: 1. Pituitary adenylate-cyclase
activating peptide expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVHPACAP), and 2.
Leptin receptor expressing neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMHLepR). I will examine the exact types
of information each of these inputs represents, as well as the necessity of two of these inputs in modulating
AgRP neurons in response to sensory information. Additionally, I will investigate a potential mechanism by
which nutritional state alters the response of DMHLepR neurons to food presentation. Together these results
would reveal how a critical neural feeding center is regulated, as well as illuminate potential mechanisms by
which sensory signal integration could become disrupted in maladaptive feeding behaviors such as obesity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10319927
- **Project number:** 5F31DK125067-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Tara J Aitken
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $42,137
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-01-01 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10319927

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10319927, Dissecting the role of neural inputs in the regulation of AgRP neurons (5F31DK125067-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10319927. Licensed CC0.

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