Physical activity controlled by estrogen signals in the medial amygdala

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the brain is known to regulate different aspects of energy homeostasis in both males and females. However, the essential brain ERα sites for the estrogenic control of body weight have not been fully illustrated. In a recent paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, we demonstrated that the ERα expressing neurons in the medial amygdala (MeA), which is originally recognized as an important emotion and motivation control center, is required to stimulate physical activity. Our results from both selective deletion or overexpression mouse model and electrophysiology recording support a model that ERα signals activate MeA neurons to stimulate physical activity, which in return prevents body weight gain. These results indicate that MeA ERα is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of obesity not only in females, but also in males.