Dorsomedial hypothalamic NPY modulation of adiposity and thermogenesis

•Knockdown of dorsomedial hypothalamic (DMH) NPY affects body adiposity.•DMH NPY knockdown promotes development of brown adipocytes in white fat depots.•DMH NPY knockdown promotes interscapular BAT activity.•DMH NPY knockdown increases thermogenesis and energy expenditure.

In addition to controlling food intake, the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) plays an important role in thermoregulation. Within the DMH, a number of neuropeptides and receptors have been found and their roles in controlling energy balance are being investigated. We recently found that the orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the DMH has specific actions on body adiposity and thermogenesis using a viral-mediated manipulation of NPY in the DMH. Knockdown of NPY in the DMH promotes the development of brown adipocytes in white adipose tissue and increases brown adipocyte activity. DMH NPY knockdown also causes increased thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Finally, DMH NPY knockdown prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity and improves glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on the role of DMH NPY in modulating body adiposity and thermogenesis.