Abstract
The cytokine, GDF15, is produced in pathological states which cause cellular stress, including cancer. When over expressed, it causes dramatic weight reduction, suggesting a role in disease-related anorexia. Here, we demonstrate that the GDF15 receptor, GFRAL, is located in a subset of cholecystokinin neurons which span the area postrema and the nucleus of the tractus solitarius of the mouse. GDF15 activates GFRALAP/NTS neurons and supports conditioned taste and place aversions, while the anorexia it causes can be blocked by a monoclonal antibody directed at GFRAL or by disrupting CCK neuronal signalling. The cancer-therapeutic drug, cisplatin, induces the release of GDF15 and activates GFRALAP/NTS neurons, as well as causing significant reductions in food intake and body weight in mice. These metabolic effects of cisplatin are abolished by pre-treatment with the GFRAL monoclonal antibody. Our results suggest that GFRAL neutralising antibodies or antagonists may provide a co-treatment opportunity for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e55164 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | eLife |
Volume | 9 |
Early online date | 29 Jul 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Aug 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was funded through BBSRC and MRC grants to SML (BB/M001067/1; BBB/L021129/1;B/ S008098/1; MR/R002991/1). RS was funded for part of this project by the award of a University of Manchester PhD Scholarship. GD’A is funded by an MRC Career Development Award (MR/P009824/2).