Yong Xu

Python metabolomics uncovers a conserved postprandial metabolite and gut-brain feeding pathway

The paper identifies a conserved postprandial metabolite, pTOS, that links nutrient intake to energy balance through a gut-brain pathway in pythons and mice, with potential relevance to humans.

Vitamin D is Glucoprotective in Aging Males but Not Females

This study investigates sex-specific effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose homeostasis and gene regulation in aged mice, finding protective effects in males but not females.

A secondary β-hydroxybutyrate metabolic pathway linked to energy balance

This study identifies a secondary BHB metabolic pathway mediated by CNDP2, leading to BHB-amino acid metabolites that regulate energy balance in mice and humans.

5-HT Neurons Integrate GABA and Dopamine Inputs to Regulate Meal Initiation

The paper shows that 5-HTDRN neurons are inhibited by GABA and dopamine, enabling meal initiation through their synergistic effects.

TMEM106B coding variant is protective and deletion detrimental in a mouse model of tauopathy

This study shows that TMEM106B deletion worsens tauopathy symptoms in mice, while a coding variant provides protection against cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

An Excitatory Projection from the Basal Forebrain to the Ventral Tegmental Area Underlying Anorexia-like Phenotypes

The paper identifies a glutamatergic circuit from the basal forebrain to the ventral tegmental area that reduces appetite and causes anorexia-like behaviors by decreasing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

Reversal of obesogenic feeding and hypometabolism by a bifurcating GABAergic neural circuit

This study identifies two distinct GABAergic neural circuits in the hypothalamus that differentially regulate metabolic homeostasis and obesogenic feeding through specific GABAA receptor signaling pathways.

Hypothalamic perineuronal nets are regulated by sex and dietary interventions

This study shows that hypothalamic perineuronal nets (PNNs) are regulated by sex, gonadal hormones, and dietary interventions in a region-specific manner.