GFRAL-expressing neurons suppress food intake via aversive pathways

Abstract

The TGFβ cytokine family member, GDF-15, reduces food intake and body weight and represents a potential treatment for obesity. Because the brainstem-restricted expression pattern of its receptor, GDNF Family Receptor α–like (GFRAL), presents an exciting opportunity to understand mechanisms of action for area postrema neurons in food intake; we generated GfralCre and conditional GfralCreERT mice to visualize and manipulate GFRAL neurons. We found infection or pathophysiologic states (rather than meal ingestion) stimulate GFRAL neurons. TRAP-Seq analysis of GFRAL neurons revealed their expression of a wide range of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Artificially activating GfralCre-expressing neurons inhibited feeding, decreased gastric emptying, and promoted a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). GFRAL neurons most strongly innervate the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), where they target CGRP-expressing (CGRPPBN) neurons. Silencing CGRPPBN neurons abrogated the aversive and anorexic effects of GDF-15. These findings suggest that GFRAL neurons link non–meal-associated pathophysiologic signals to suppress nutrient uptake and absorption.