Brainstem BDNF neurons are downstream of GFRAL/GLP1R signalling.

ABSTRACT: Growth differentiation factor 15, GDF15, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues act through brainstem neurons that co-localise their receptors, GDNF-family receptor α-like (GFRAL) and GLP1R, to reduce food intake and body weight. However, their use as clinical treatments is partially hampered since both can also induce sickness-like behaviours, including aversion, that are mediated through a well-characterised pathway via the exterolateral parabrachial nucleus. Here, in mice, we describe a separate pathway downstream of GFRAL/GLP1R neurons that involves a distinct population of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) cells in the medial nucleus of the tractus solitarius. Thus, BDNF^mNTS neurons are required for the weight-reducing actions of both GDF15 and the GLP1RA, Exe

SUBMITTER: Feetham CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11685588 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature