Berrie Center scientists discover new receptor that controls eating

Berrie Center scientists discover new receptor that controls eating. This finding raises hopes for new anti-obesity medications. The integrated neuronal network in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus controls feeding behavior and metabolic homeostasis. AgRP neurons are labeled in red, and POMC (lower) or NPY (upper) neurons are labeled in green. Ren et al. found that FoxO1 regulates AgRP neuron functions through G protein coupled receptor – Gpr17. Knocking out FoxO1 in AgRP neurons creates a leaner and more metabolically flexible mouse. Pharmacologically modulating Gpr17 action via its agonist and antagonist directly influences the feeding behavior.