The gut signals to AGRP-expressing cells of the pituitary to control glucose homeostasis

Shun Mei Liu, Bruno Ifebi, Fred Johnson, Alison Xu, Jacquelin Ho, Yunlei Yang, Gary Schwartz, Young Hwan Jo, Streamson Chua

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glucose homeostasis can be improved after bariatric surgery, which alters bile flow and stimulates gut hormone secretion, particularly FGF15/19. FGFR1 expression in AGRP-expressing cells is required for bile acids' ability to improve glucose control. We show that the mouse Agrp gene has 3 promoter/enhancer regions that direct transcription of each of their own AGRP transcripts. One of these Agrp promoters/enhancers, Agrp-B, is regulated by bile acids. We generated an Agrp-B knockin FLP/knockout allele. AGRP-B-expressing cells are found in endocrine cells of the pars tuberalis and coexpress diacylglycerol lipase B - an endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme - distinct from pars tuberalis thyrotropes. AGRP-B expression is also found in the folliculostellate cells of the pituitary's anterior lobe. Mice without AGRP-B were protected from glucose intolerance induced by high-fat feeding but not from excess weight gain. Chemogenetic inhibition of AGRP-B cells improved glucose tolerance by enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Inhibition of the AGRP-B cells also caused weight loss. The improved glucose tolerance and reduced body weight persisted up to 6 weeks after cessation of the DREADD-mediated inhibition, suggesting the presence of a biological switch for glucose homeostasis that is regulated by long-term stability of food availability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere164185
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume133
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 3 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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