SF-1 in the ventral medial hypothalamic nucleus: a key regulator of homeostasis

KW Kim, JW Sohn, D Kohno, Y Xu, K Williams… - Molecular and cellular …, 2011 - Elsevier
KW Kim, JW Sohn, D Kohno, Y Xu, K Williams, JK Elmquist
Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2011Elsevier
The ventral medial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) regulates food intake and body weight
homeostasis. The nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor 1; SF-1) is a transcription
factor whose expression is highly restricted in the VMH and is required for the development
of the nucleus. Neurons expressing SF-1 in the VMH have emerged as playing important
roles in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. Many of these studies have
used site-specific gene KO approaches, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms …
The ventral medial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) regulates food intake and body weight homeostasis. The nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor 1; SF-1) is a transcription factor whose expression is highly restricted in the VMH and is required for the development of the nucleus. Neurons expressing SF-1 in the VMH have emerged as playing important roles in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. Many of these studies have used site-specific gene KO approaches, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of energy homeostasis by the SF-1 neurons of the VMH. In this brief review, we will focus on recent studies defining the molecular mechanisms regulating energy homeostasis and body weight in the VMH, particularly stressing the SF-1 expressing neurons.
Elsevier