Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that regulates body weight and composition. Here we show that mice lacking the gene encoding NMU (Nmu(-/-) mice) develop obesity. Nmu(-/-) mice showed increased body weight and adiposity, hyperphagia, and decreased locomotor activity and energy expenditure. Obese Nmu(-/-) mice developed hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, late-onset hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Notably, however, treatment with exogenous leptin was effective in reducing body weight in obese Nmu(-/-) mice. In addition, central leptin administration did not affect NMU gene expression in the hypothalamus of rats. These results indicate that NMU plays an important role in the regulation of feeding behavior and energy metabolism independent of the leptin signaling pathway. These characteristic functions of NMU may provide new insight for understanding the pathophysiological basis of obesity.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adipose Tissue / pathology
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Analysis of Variance
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Animals
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Blood Chemical Analysis
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Blotting, Northern
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Body Composition / genetics
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Body Composition / physiology
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Body Temperature Regulation / genetics
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Body Weight / genetics
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Body Weight / physiology
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism
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Energy Metabolism / genetics*
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Energy Metabolism / physiology
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Feeding Behavior / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Histological Techniques
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Hypothalamus / pathology
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Immunohistochemistry
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In Situ Hybridization
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Ion Channels
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Leptin / blood
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Leptin / metabolism*
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Liver / pathology
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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Neuropeptides / genetics
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Neuropeptides / metabolism*
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Obesity / genetics
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Obesity / physiopathology*
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Uncoupling Protein 1
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Ion Channels
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Leptin
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Membrane Proteins
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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Neuropeptides
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Uncoupling Protein 1
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neuromedin U