Central leucine sensing in the control of energy homeostasis

Abstract

This article reviews recent studies identifying two key brain regions as two critical nodes in the neural network where central leucine sensing contributes to whole body energy homeostasis: the mediobasal hypothalamus and the dorsal vagal complex of the caudal brainstem. Activation of these leucine sensing sites engages multiple determinants of energy balance, including glucose homeostasis, food intake, and adiposity.