Abstract
Novel neuropeptides of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands are shown to localize in brain and perform a range of physiological functions including feeding regulation. Here, we will describe the distribution and localization of these neuropeptides identified very recently and to examine their involvement in neuronal networks, particularly feeding regulation. This review concerns some novel GPCR ligands of feeding-regulation factors such as orexin, ghrelin, galanin-like peptide (GALP) and neuropeptide W (NPW), such as those described by our research group and others, and neuronal interactions among these neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Cross-talk among several these neuropeptides-containing neuron types in the hypothalamus plays a role in determining feeding states. We show structural and functional characteristics of novel neuropeptides and summarize the known interactions between several these neuron types and leptin-targeting neurons in the hypothalamus. Research in this field will serve an important role of clarifying neurologically-based causes for appetite dysfunctions and energy homeostasis in establishing therapies for people suffering such conditions.
