microRNA-33 controls hunger signaling in hypothalamic AgRP neurons

Abstract

AgRP neurons drive hunger, and excessive nutrient intake is the primary driver of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. While many factors impacting central regulation of feeding behavior have been established, the role of microRNAs in this process is poorly understood. Utilizing unique mouse models, we demonstrate that miR-33 plays a critical role in the regulation of AgRP neurons, and that loss of miR-33 leads to increased feeding, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction in mice. These effects include the regulation of multiple miR-33 target genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid metabolism. Our findings elucidate a key regulatory pathway regulated by a non-coding RNA that impacts hunger by controlling multiple bioenergetic processes associated with the activation of AgRP neurons, providing alternative therapeutic approaches to modulate feeding behavior and associated metabolic diseases.

AgRP neurons regulate feeding behavior by promoting signals of hunger. Here, the authors show that miR-33, represses the activity of AgRP neurons, and selective loss of miR-33 in AgRP neurons promotes obesity and metabolic dysfunction in mice.