Muscarinic receptors in energy homeostasis: Physiology and pharmacology

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

Despite increased awareness and intensified biomedical research efforts, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide. This is alarming, because obesity accelerates the progression of several chronic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Individuals who experience significant weight loss must combat powerful counter‐regulatory energy homeostatic processes, and, typically, most individuals regain the lost weight. Therefore, decoding the neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of energy homeostasis is necessary for developing breakthroughs in obesity management. It has been known for decades that cholinergic neurotransmission both directly and indirectly modulates energy homeostasis and metabolic health. Despite this insight, the molecular details underlying the modulation remain ill‐defined, and the potential for targeting cholinergic muscarinic receptors for treating metabolic disease is largely uncharted. In this MiniReview, we scrutinize the literature that has formed our knowledge of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in energy homeostasis. The role of mAChRs in canonical appetite‐regulating circuits will be discussed as will the more indirect regulation of energy homoeostasis via neurocircuits linked to motivated behaviours and emotional states. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic prospects of targeting mAChRs for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBasic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
Volume126
Issue numberSuppl. 6
Pages (from-to)66-76
Number of pages11
ISSN1742-7835
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
EventGPCR Pharmacology: The Next Generation - Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 31 Oct 20182 Nov 2018

Conference

ConferenceGPCR Pharmacology
CountryDenmark
CityCopenhagen
Period31/10/201802/11/2018

Bibliographical note

Special Issue: MiniReviews and Original Articles from the BCPT‐sponsored Focused Nordic Conference “GPCR Pharmacology – The Next Generation”, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31

ID: 228150374