# Identifying the source of feed-forward appetite regulation

> **NIH NIH F32** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $21,394

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Hunger is regulated by a group of neurons located in a distinct area of the hypothalamus, the arcuate
nucleus (ARC). Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons within the ARC become active in a calorically deficient
state and become less active when animals are calorically replete. Hunger has traditionally been viewed to be
controlled by feedback mechanisms from peripheral systems in the body such as circulating hormones that
signal caloric deficiency. It is now known that in addition to ARCAgRP neurons being regulated by feedback
mechanisms, ARCAgRP neurons are also rapidly regulated by feedforward mechanisms such as environmental
cues that anticipate ingestion. One of these feedforward mechanisms is driven by a presynaptic inhibitory
neuron present in the ventral dorsal medial hypothalamus (vDMH) that rapidly inhibits ARCAgRP activity upon
food-cue presentations. However, it is unknown how sensory detection of food-cues converge on to the
hypothalamus. I hypothesize that presynaptic afferents to the vDMH are the source of feedforward control and
is the basis of appetite regulation.
 In this proposal, I will identify the higher-order inputs to the hypothalamus that are required for the
feedforward regulation of the vDMH, and ultimately, ARCAgRP neurons. I will use retrograde monosynaptic
tracing techniques to identify the presynaptic sources to the vDMH. I will then confirm that these inputs are
functional by characterizing the nature of their synaptic input with ChR2-assisted circuit mapping. Finally, I will
use a combinatorial approach of selective inhibition studies and in vivo calcium recordings to study if the
candidate input is required for the rapid regulation of vDMH neuronal food-cue responses.
 During the tenure of this proposal, I will receive training in optogenetics, microscopy, virology, computer
programming, fiber-photometry, and in vivo electrophysiological techniques from experts in the field. These
techniques and skills will allow me to successfully complete the proposed experimental aims and prepare me
for a career as an independent investigator.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9976528
- **Project number:** 5F32DK118807-03
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Janet Berrios Wallace
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $21,394
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2020-12-06

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9976528

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9976528, Identifying the source of feed-forward appetite regulation (5F32DK118807-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9976528. Licensed CC0.

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