A Brain-Melanocortin-Vagus Axis Mediates Adipose Tissue Expansion Independently of Energy Intake (Cell Reports)

Brain-melanocortin signaling controls fat mass indirectly by regulating energy balance and by direct control of lipid mobilization from adipose tissue via sympathetic nervous system activity. Holland et al. show that reduced brain-melanocortin signaling promotes white adipose tissue expansion via signals conveyed by efferent innervation of the vagus nerve.