title: Molecular regulation of hypothalamic development and physiological functions.
abstract: The hypothalamus is composed of many heterogeneous nuclei that control distinct physiological functions. Investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate the specification of these nuclei and specific neuronal subtypes, and their contribution to diverse hypothalamic functions, is an exciting research focus. Here, we begin by summarizing the hypothalamic functions of feeding regulation, sleep-wake cycles, stress responses, and circadian rhythm, and describing their anatomical bases. Next, we review the molecular regulation of formation of hypothalamic territories, specification of nuclei and subnuclei, and generation of specific neurons. Finally, we highlight physiological and behavioral consequences of altered hypothalamic development. Identifying molecules that regulate hypothalamic development and function will increase our understanding of hypothalamus-related disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, and aid in the development of therapies aimed specifically at their etiologies.
authors.affiliation: School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. hedagaoyanxia@163.com.
authors.forename: Yanxia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China. tas2009@med.cornell.edu.|Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY, 10065, USA. tas2009@med.cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: Hypothalamic development; Hypothalamic functions; Hypothalamus; Hypothalamus-related disorders; Neurogenesis