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Molecular regulation of hypothalamic development and physiological functions

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation of China (81471152), the Hirschl/Weill-Caulier Trust (T.S.), and an R01-MH083680-06 grant from the NIH/NIMH (T.S.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China

    Yanxia Gao & Tao Sun

  2. Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Tao Sun

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  1. Yanxia Gao
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  2. Tao Sun
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Gao, Y., Sun, T. Molecular regulation of hypothalamic development and physiological functions. Mol Neurobiol 53, 4275–4285 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9367-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9367-z

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