Research conducted over the last 20 years, have firmly established the central nervous system as a critical regulator of systemic energy balance and metabolism. These biological processes are regulated by complex networks of distributed neural circuits that integrate multiple hedonic and homeostatic cues and engage appropriate behavioral, endocrine and autonomic responses. These biological programs are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms. In this Research Topic we will particularly focus on recent advances and concepts that have shed new light into our understanding of these sophisticated regulatory mechanisms.
Research conducted over the last 20 years, have firmly established the central nervous system as a critical regulator of systemic energy balance and metabolism. These biological processes are regulated by complex networks of distributed neural circuits that integrate multiple hedonic and homeostatic cues and engage appropriate behavioral, endocrine and autonomic responses. These biological programs are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms. In this Research Topic we will particularly focus on recent advances and concepts that have shed new light into our understanding of these sophisticated regulatory mechanisms.