Publications by authors named "J M Zigman"
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) are G-protein coupled receptors highly expressed in the brain and involved in critical regulatory processes, such as energy homeostasis, appetite control, reward, and stress responses. GHSR mediates the effects of both ghrelin and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, while CB1R is targeted by cannabinoids. Strikingly, both receptors mediate their effects by acting on common brain areas and their individual roles have been well characterized.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground/objectives: Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2, also known as G9a) is a mammalian histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9). On human chromosome 15, the parental-specific expression of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)-related genes, such as and , are regulated through the genetic imprinting of the PWS imprinting center (PWS-IC). On the paternal allele, PWS genes are expressed whereas the epigenetic maternal silencing of PWS genes is controlled by the EHMT2-mediated methylation of H3K9 in PWS-IC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The hormone ghrelin plays a protective role in cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS), with its levels rising to help combat weight loss and anorexia in cancer patients.
- A study found that deleting ghrelin worsened body weight and fat loss in mice with cancer, while deleting LEAP2, a ghrelin antagonist, seemed to lessen the severity of CACS.
- In human patients with CACS, a lower ratio of plasma LEAP2 to total ghrelin was associated with better weight stability, indicating a possible protective mechanism against worsening CACS.
Article Synopsis
- This study investigates how ghrelin receptors in the olfactory bulb affect smell and eating behavior in mice.
- Mice without these receptors showed worse smelling ability, increased anxiety, and changes in how they searched for food.
- The findings suggest that the olfactory bulb plays a crucial role in smell and food-seeking behavior, especially when hungry, influencing metabolism and preparation for eating.