TTF-1, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, regulates feeding behavior in the rat hypothalamus

Jae Geun Kim, Il Seong Nam-Goong, Chang Ho Yun, Jin Kwon Jeong, Eun Sook Kim, Joong Jean Park, Young Chul Lee, Young Il Kim, Byung Ju Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

TTF-1 is a member of the NKx family of homeodomain genes, and is required for morphogenesis and fetal diencephalon development. Our previous studies have shown that TTF-1 expression is maintained in some regions of the postnatal rat brain and transactivates the gene expression of several neuropeptides. In this study, a potential role for TTF-1 in the regulation of feeding behavior was identified. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that TTF-1 is present in several hypothalamic nuclei of the adult rat brain involved in the control of feeding behavior. Food deprivation for two days markedly increased the hypothalamic levels of TTF-1 mRNA and protein. Intracerebroventricular administration of an antisense TTF-1 oligodeoxynucleotide significantly decreased TTF-1 protein abundance in the hypothalamus. This TTF-1 decrease was followed by a significant decrease in neuropeptide Y mRNA content and an increase in proopiomelanocortin mRNA content, and in turn resulted in a decrease of the animal's food intake and body weight. These results suggest a novel role for TTF-1 in the regulation of feeding behavior in the rat hypothalamus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)969-975
Number of pages7
JournalBiochemical and biophysical research communications
Volume349
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Oct 27
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Korea Research Foundation Grant (KRF-2002-070-C00068). J.G.K. and C.H.Y. were partially supported by Brain Korea 21 Grant (C119).

Keywords

  • Food intake
  • Hypothalamus
  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Obesity
  • Proopiomelanocortin
  • TTF-1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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