Orexin regulates mitochondrial dynamics in avian muscle

The growing obesity epidemic has sparked numerous studies on the identification of molecular signatures that regulate energy homeostasis using different experimental animal models. Orexin, which acts via two G-protein coupled receptors, orexin receptor 1 and 2, has been originally identified as feeding-related hypothalamic neuropeptide that regulate energy balance in mammals. Recently, using chicken, non-mammalian species that are characteristically hyperglycemic and prone to obesity, we made a breakthrough by identifying the orexin system in avian muscle and unraveling its effect on mitochondrial dynamics and function. Therefore, understanding orexin signaling and function may help to identify novel therapeutic opportunities for treating metabolic disorders related to mitochondrial dysfunction.