Inter-organ communication: a gatekeeper for metabolic health.

Judit Castillo‐Armengol,Isabel C Lopez‐Mejia,Lluis Fajas

doi:10.15252/embr.201947903

Judit Castillo‐Armengol, Isabel C Lopez‐Mejia + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201947903

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Journal: EMBO Reports	Publication Date: Aug 19, 2019
Citations: 99	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Lausanne

Abstract

Multidirectional interactions between metabolic organs in the periphery and the central nervous system have evolved concomitantly with multicellular organisms to maintain whole‐body energy homeostasis and ensure the organism's adaptation to external cues. These interactions are altered in pathological conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Bioactive peptides and proteins, such as hormones and cytokines, produced by both peripheral organs and the central nervous system, are key messengers in this inter‐organ communication. Despite the early discovery of the first hormones more than 100 years ago, recent studies taking advantage of novel technologies have shed light on the multiple ways used by cells in the body to communicate and maintain energy balance. This review briefly summarizes well‐established concepts and focuses on recent advances describing how specific proteins and peptides mediate the crosstalk between gut, brain, and other peripheral metabolic organs in order to maintain energy homeostasis. Additionally, this review outlines how the improved knowledge about these inter‐organ networks is helping us to redefine therapeutic strategies in an effort to promote healthy living and fight metabolic disorders and other diseases.

Highlights

In order to maintain homeostasis and adapt to external conditions, the different tissues of multicellular organisms communicate with each other via multiple signals
Peripheral organs produce a plethora of bioactive molecules, including hormones, that ensure intercellular signaling in an autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine manner
Myostatin-deficient mice develop insulin resistance via alterations in AMPK activity [148], highlighting the need to determine the exact effects of myostatin signaling, as well as of other myokines correlating with obesity, in whole-body energy homeostasis [112]

Summary

Introduction

In order to maintain homeostasis and adapt to external conditions, the different tissues of multicellular organisms communicate with each other via multiple signals. Fasting stimulates the secretion of the adipokines asprosin and adiponectin that will act through the brain to decrease energy expenditure and promote food intake.

Results

Conclusion