| Grant number: | 17/18019-0 |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral |
| Start date: | November 01, 2017 |
| End date: | October 31, 2019 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology |
| Principal Investigator: | Jackson Cioni Bittencourt |
| Grantee: | Ariel Rodrigues Cardoso |
| Host Institution: | Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
| Associated research grant: | 16/02224-1 - The existence of neurogenesis during the lactation period, AP.TEM |
Abstract The synthesis of melanin-concentrating hormone [MCH] in the ventromedial pre-optic area [MPOAvm] increases intensely around the 19th day of lactation of rats. The role of this activation has not yet been fully uncovered, and its function is largely unknown in maternal physiology. MCH is produced by processing the precursor preproMCH [ppMCH], which encodes two other neuropeptides, the NEI and the NGE. In addition, MCH activity depends on its binding to its receptor [MCHR1], which is coupled to different types of G proteins, specific for each cell type, which can activate MAP kinases, decrease cAMP concentration and / or increase concentration of cytosolic Ca2 +. In this work, we propose to investigate the activation of ppMCH mRNA expression on maternal behavior and energetic homeostasis through the RNA interference technique [RNAi], inhibiting Pmch gene expression or MCHR1 receptor activity. In parallel, pharmacological inhibition of the MCHR1 receptor will be performed by the use of the competitive antagonist H-6408 [BACHEM, Germany]. Intracerebral injections in the lateral hypothalamic area [LHA] or MPOAvm in lactating rats of the appropriate short interfering RNAs [siRNAs] and randomized [scrambled] or "empty" controls will be performed. The brain will then be processed for biochemical and neurochemical identification techniques such as single or double label immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, rats will be filmed for behavioral analysis and parameters related to food consumption will be monitored daily. Therefore, this study allows a more extensive understanding of the peptidergic system of HCM during the lactation process in rats. | |
| News published in Agência FAPESP Newsletter about the scholarship: | |
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