Leptin Regulates Hypothalamic Mitochondrial Function and Dynamics to Enhance Metabolism

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetes, intricately linked to aberrant hypothalamic regulation of metabolism. Leptin, a key regulator of energy homeostasis, governs food intake through hypothalamic neurons dependent on mitochondrial ATP. While the physiological role of leptin is well-established, its impact on neuronal mitochondrial function in the context of obesity remains unclear. This study delineates the molecular mechanisms of leptin's influence on mitochondrial function and dynamics in hypothalamic neurons, investigated both in vitro and in vivo.