Genetic Identification of Vagal Sensory Neurons That Control Feeding

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Cell. 2019 Jul;179:1129-1143.e23. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2019.10.031

Genetic Identification of Vagal Sensory Neurons That Control Feeding Liu (Yin) Lab

Bai Ling, Mesgarzadeh Sheyda, Ramesh Karthik, Huey Erica, Liu Yin, Gray Lindsay, Aitken Tara, Chen Yiming, Beutler Lisa, Ahn Jamie, Madisen Linda, Zeng Hongkui, Krasnow Mark, Knight Zachary

Note: Research in this publication was not performed at Janelia.

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Abstract

Summary Energy homeostasis requires precise measurement of the quantity and quality of ingested food. The vagus nerve innervates the gut and can detect diverse interoceptive cues, but the identity of the key sensory neurons and corresponding signals that regulate food intake remains unknown. Here, we use an approach for target-specific, single-cell RNA sequencing to generate a map of the vagal cell types that innervate the gastrointestinal tract. We show that unique molecular markers identify vagal neurons with distinct innervation patterns, sensory endings, and function. Surprisingly, we find that food intake is most sensitive to stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the intestine, whereas nutrient-activated mucosal afferents have no effect. Peripheral manipulations combined with central recordings reveal that intestinal mechanoreceptors, but not other cell types, potently and durably inhibit hunger-promoting AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus. These findings identify a key role for intestinal mechanoreceptors in the regulation of feeding.

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Genetic Identification of Vagal Sensory Neurons That Control Feeding

Note: Research in this publication was not performed at Janelia.

Abstract

Janelia Authors