DFG CRC Transregio TRR 134, Project B05: Exploring the effects of nesfatin-1 in reward-associated and compulsive-like eating

The peptide nesfatin-1 possesses pleiotropic functions in the central nervous system as well as in the periphery. Nesfatin-1 is highly expressed in brain regions relevant for the homeostatic regulation of energy intake and expenditure, but also in reward-related circuits. Importantly, we could show that central administration of nesfatin-1 reduces “liking” and “wanting”, suggesting an inhibitory influence on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. In this project, we aim at investigating the role of endogenous nesfatin-1 and the recruitment of the oxytocin system using an integrative behavioural, pharmacological and molecular/genetic approach. We hypothesize that nesfatin-1 knockdown in reward-related areas would increase the reward value of palatable food and therefore potentiate the activation of the hedonic system, thus contributing to the onset of eating disorders.