Neural Mechanisms underlying Obesity-induced Taste Dysfunction

PROJECT SUMMARY A key driver of the obesity epidemic is the excessive consumption of highly palatable, calorie-rich foods. Obesity, in turn, leads to substantial alterations in taste sensitivity and food preferences, perpetuating the obese state. However, the neurobiological underpinnings of the interaction between obesity and taste sensation remain largely uncharted. The overall objective of this application is to determine how the brainstem neurons that convey taste information are impacted by obesity. To achieve this, we propose studies to identify obesity-dependent changes to taste neurons at the circuit-, cellular- and molecular-level. In the long-term, we envision that these studies will reveal platforms for therapeutic intervention aimed at disrupting the self-perpetuating cycle of overconsumption in obesity.