Periphery-Brain Interactions and Leptin in the Regulation of Whole-Body Energy Metabolism

Dear Colleagues,

Since the seminal discovery of the adipokine leptin in 1994, our understanding of the molecular, cellular and systems bases of whole-body energy metabolism regulation has grown tremendously. However, the incidence of obesity and its comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease continue to soar globally. In order to discover innovative ways of combating this pandemic, further progress clearly still needs to be made.

We now know that peripheral tissues bi-directionally communicate with the central nervous system through various signalling molecules to regulate whole-body energy metabolism. As a recently characterized example, leptin communicates with a chemically defined network of hypothalamic neurons to in turn increase sympathetic nerve activity and innervation of brown and white adipose tissues, thereby promoting thermogenesis and a negative whole-body energy balance.

In this Special Issue, we invite articles that expand our knowledge on these and similar periphery-brain interactions. In particular, we welcome articles that characterize or summarize novel peripheral signalling molecules, interactions or pathways that ultimately converge to regulate whole-body energy metabolism. These can include traditional adipokines such as leptin and gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1, but also microbiota products and host-derived metabolites. Articles that shed light on how nutritional, pharmacological, exercise or surgical interventions promote healthier whole-body energy metabolism through periphery-brain interactions are also welcome.

Our hope is that this Special Issue stimulates a lively and insightful discussion in the burgeoning subject of periphery-brain interactions, to contribute to finding new approaches to treating obesity and its devastating comorbidities.

Dr. Mohammed Khair Hankir
Dr. Michael Bruneau Jr.
Guest Editors

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