title: A possible link between BDNF and mTOR in control of food intake.
abstract: Food intake is intricately regulated by glucose, amino acids, hormones, neuropeptides, and trophic factors through a neural circuit in the hypothalamus. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the most prominent neurotrophic factor in the brain, regulates differentiation, maturation, and synaptic plasticity throughout life. Among its many roles, BDNF exerts an anorexigenic function in the brain. However, the intracellular signaling induced by BDNF to control food intake is not fully understood. One candidate for the molecule involved in transducing the anorexigenic activity of BDNF is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR senses extracellular amino acids, glucose, growth factors, and neurotransmitters, and regulates anabolic reactions response to these signals. Activated mTOR increases protein and lipid synthesis and inhibits protein degradation. In the hypothalamus, mTOR activation is thought to reduce food intake. Here we summarize recent findings regarding BDNF- and mTOR-mediated feeding control, and propose a link between these molecules in eating behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata Japan.
authors.forename: Nobuyuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Takei
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata Japan ; Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Furukawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata Japan.
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hanyu
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata Japan.
authors.forename: Hirohito
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sone
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nawa
keywords: AMPK; BDNF; body weight; food intake regulation; mTOR; mTORC1; nutrients