PROLONGED AND SELECTIVE ACTIVATION OF POMCARC NEURONS MODULATES FOOD INTAKE AND ENERGY EXPENDITURE

The arcuate (ARC) Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons play a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, including food intake and energy expenditure. Previous studies have reported that activation of AgRP/NPY neurons increases food intake and reduces energy expenditure. Regarding POMC neurons, recent studies have revealed that this neuronal population is not homogeneous, and some POMC neurons can differentiate into NPY neurons during embryonic development. To overcome the recruitment of compensatory mechanisms observed in gene deletion studies performed during embryonic stage, we decided to use DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug) to manipulate adult POMCARC neurons and investigate their effects on food intake and body weight.