Gene Expression and the Control of Food Intake by Hypothalamic POMC/CART Neurons

Neurons that express pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus suppress feeding and increase energy expenditure in response to circulating adiposity signals such as leptin. Alterations in gene expression may lead to long term modification of this circuit and alterations in body weight. Therefore, understanding how gene expression in these neurons is controlled is crucial to forming a complete picture of the central management of energy balance. This review outlines the heterogeneity of arcuate POMC/CART neurons, describes our current understanding of CART and POMC gene transcription in these neurons, and suggests future directions for extending the field.