GSE104372
Transcription Factors Dlx1 and Otp Segregate the Identity of Orexigenic/Anti-thermogenic- and Growth Promoting-Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus
The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus contains multiple types of neurons controlling critical physiological processes. However, the gene regulatory network directing their development remains rudimentary. Here we report that two transcription factors Otp and Dlx1 segregate the identity of orexigenic/anti-thermogenic NPY/AgRP- and growth-promoting GHRH-neurons in the developing arcuate nucleus. Otp-null and Dlx1-null mice lose NPY/AgRP and GHRH expression, respectively. Dlx1-null mice also show enhanced expression of Otp/NPY/AgRP, which is normalized in Dlx1;Otp-double mutant mice. Correspondingly, Dlx1-null mice exhibit decreased growth, lower body temperature and increased feeding. Furthermore, our genome-wide studies identify Otp as a negative target gene of Dlx1. Therefore, Otp is critical for NPY/AgRP-neuronal development, while Dlx1 promotes GHRH-neuronal development and antagonizes NPY/AgRP-neuronal development. These results identify a mechanism for segregating the identity of two functionally related neurons, and the Dlx1-Otp axis likely contributes to coordinating energy balance and growth by maintaining a proper ratio of NPY/AgRP- to GHRH-neurons. Overall design: Chip-seq samples from wild-type hypothalamus were prepared for sequencing according to the Illumina protocol, and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. We will then identified that Dlx1 could bind and regulate the gene transcription in hypothalamus development.