The hypocretins/orexins: novel hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in different physiological systems.
The hypothalamus regulates diverse physiological functions, including the control of energy metabolism, circadian rhythms, stress and anxiety, sexual and reproductive behaviors. An overview of the most prevalent hypothalamus-enriched mRNAs revealed that this area of the brain specializes in producing intercellular signaling molecules. Two new secreted peptides derived from a single neuropeptide precursor, named hypocretins and orexins by two different groups, are synthesized in a small set of neurons in the perifornical area of the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular injection of the hypocretins/orexins increases food consumption in rats. Here we review recent progress in identifying the role of the hypocretins/orexins in the control of energy balance and in other physiological systems.
de Lecea
L
L
Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. llecea@scripps.edu
Sutcliffe
J G
JG
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D064446:Orexin Receptors; D000068797:Orexins; D009928:Organ Specificity; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000378:metabolism; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D064446:Orexin Receptors; D000068797:Orexins; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide