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REVIEW article

Front. Mol. Neurosci.
Sec. Molecular Signalling and Pathways
Volume 17 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1479876
This article is part of the Research Topic Communication Between Brain and Internal Organs via Nutrients View all 3 articles

Spinal Afferent Neurons: Emerging Regulators of Energy Balance and Metabolism

Provisionally accepted
Mohammad Jarrah Mohammad Jarrah 1Dana Tasebehji Dana Tasebehji 1Aviva Fraer Aviva Fraer 1Mohamad Mokadem Mohamad Mokadem 2,3,4,5,6*
  • 1 Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
  • 2 The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
  • 3 Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
  • 4 Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
  • 5 Obesity Research and Education Initiative, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
  • 6 Iowa City VA Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City, Iowa, United States

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Recent advancements in neurophysiology have challenged the long-held paradigm that vagal afferents serve as the primary conduits for physiological signals governing food intake and energy expenditure. An expanding body of evidence now illuminates the critical role of spinal afferent neurons in these processes, necessitating a reevaluation of our understanding of energy homeostasis regulation. This comprehensive review synthesizes cutting-edge research elucidating the multifaceted functions of spinal afferent neurons in maintaining metabolic equilibrium. Once predominantly associated with nociception and pathological states, these neurons are now recognized as integral components in the intricate network regulating feeding behavior, nutrient sensing, and energy balance. We explore the role of spinal afferents in food intake and how these neurons contribute to satiation signaling and meal termination through complex gut-brain axis pathways. The review also delves into the developing evidence that spinal afferents play a crucial role in energy expenditure regulation. We explore the ability of these neuronal fibers to carry signals that can modulate feeding behavior as well as adaptive thermogenesis in adipose tissue influencing basal metabolic rate, and thereby contributing to overall energy balance. This comprehensive analysis not only challenges existing paradigms but also opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions suggesting potential targets for treating metabolic disorders. In conclusion, this review highlights the need for a shift in our understanding of energy homeostasis, positioning spinal afferent neurons as key players in the intricate web of metabolic regulation.

    Keywords: Spinal afferent neurons, energy homeostasis, gut-brain axis, food intake regulation, Metabolic Regulation

    Received: 12 Aug 2024; Accepted: 18 Oct 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Jarrah, Tasebehji, Fraer and Mokadem. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Mohamad Mokadem, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.