biostudies-literatureKosse CNINDS NIH HHS151-161https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11618074biostudies-literatureUnknown636(8041)The brain processes an array of stimuli, enabling the selection of appropriate behavioural responses, but the neural pathways linking interoceptive inputs to outputs for feeding are poorly understood^1-3. Here we delineate a subcortical circuit in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) directly connect interoceptive inputs to motor centres, controlling food consumption and jaw movements. VMH^BDNF neuron inhibition increases food intake by gating motor sequences of feeding through projections to premotor areas of the jaw. When food is unavailable, VMH^BDNF inhibition elicits consummatory behaviours directed at inanimate objects such as wooden blocks, and inhibition of perimesencephalic trigeminalNatureA subcortical feeding circuit linking an interoceptive node to jaw movement.PMC11618074K99 NS135647Kosse CIvanov JKnight ZFriedman JPellegrino KfalseA subcortical feeding circuit linking an interoceptive node to jaw movement.The brain processes an array of stimuli, enabling the selection of appropriate behavioural responses, but the neural pathways linking interoceptive inputs to outputs for feeding are poorly understood^1-3. Here we delineate a subcortical circuit in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) directly connect interoceptive inputs to motor centres, controlling food consumption and jaw movements. VMH^BDNF neuron inhibition increases food intake by gating motor sequences of feeding through projections to premotor areas of the jaw. When food is unavailable, VMH^BDNF inhibition elicits consummatory behaviours directed at inanimate objects such as wooden blocks, and inhibition of perimesencephalic trigeminal2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Dec2025-04-04T01:15:32.206Z2025-04-04T01:15:32.206ZS-EPMC116180743944379910.1038/s41586-024-08098-1