Hypothalamic PACAP/PAC1R Involvement in Feeding and Body Weight Regulation

Abstract

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its cognate receptor PAC1R play key roles in energy balance. Central neuropeptide systems like PACAP are critical to the neuroendocrine system that regulates energy homeostasis in regions of the hypothalamus. A thorough investigation into central PACAP's influence on energy balance presents an opportunity to reveal putative causes of energy imbalance that could lead to obesity. In this review, we provide a brief overview of preclinical studies that have examined hypothalamic PACAP's influence on feeding behavior and metabolic regulation. Notably, due to the complexity and pleiotropic nature of the PACAP system, we highlight the need for a nuanced examination of PACAP signaling that utilizes a complex intersection of signaling circuitry in energy regulation that could ultimately offer insights to future therapeutic targets relevant for treating obesity.

Keywords: PAC1R; PACAP; body weight; energy homeostasis; feeding; hypothalamus.