Poster #067
Cold-Induced Hypothalamic Activation Enhances Metabolic Output in Mice
Mentors: Edward Novinbahkt, Celine E. Riera, PhD
In 2023 the CDC reported that approximately 40.3% of adults in America suffer from obesity, establishing it as one of the most significant health epidemics and a leading contributor to multiple forms of cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The brain and nervous system contain neural circuits that regulate metabolism and feeding behavior, prompting increased energy output that can effectively combat obesity. To maintain homeostasis, hypothalamic neuronal circuits respond to diverse environmental signals, with cold stimuli being among the most potent regulators. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which cold stimuli can differentially activate distinct hypothalamic subregions that regulate energy metabolism in mice, and the impact of increased neuronal activity on energy expenditure. Understanding how integration of cold signals within neural circuits leads to increases in energy output and improvements in metabolic health can contribute to effective treatments for obesity as well as other metabolic diseases.