Physiological Consequences of Brain Insulin Action

The brain is crucial for the regulation of whole-body metabolism and behavior. The pancreas-derived hormone insulin modulates brain function and affects energy metabolism as well as cognition. This is partially achieved by modulating several types of brain cell populations including those relevant to satiety and reward. Importantly, brains of Alzheimer´s disease patients exhibit a signature of brain insulin resistance with perturbed brain metabolism. This book will cover the basics of insulin signaling in the brain and will describe concepts of insulin resistance, a feature of type 2 diabetes. Moreover insulin´s effect on cognitive function will be pointed out and the association between brain insulin resistance and neurodegenerative diseases discussed. Additionally, potential behavioral and pharmacological concepts which can affect brain insulin signaling will be summarized. Key Features: Summarizes insulin and the closely related IGF-1 receptor signaling Depicts concepts of insulin resistance Highlights the importance of conserved brain insulin signaling for brain function, metabolism, and behavior Describes potential behavioral and pharmacological approaches to support brain insulin signaling

1 Molecular mechanisms of brain insulin signaling 2 Insulin/IGF signaling in early brain development 3 Insulin signaling modulates neuronal metabolism 4 Regulation of glial function by insulin peptides 5 Neuroendocrine interactions in the control of glucose- and energy homeostasis 6 Hypothalamic neuronal circuits are modulated by insulin and impact metabolism 7 Insulin and brain reward systems 8 The impact of insulin on brain serotonergic system: consequences on diabetes-associated mood disorders 9 Organ cross-talk regulates (brain) insulin action 10 Insulin resistance as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease 11 Brain insulin action in the control of metabolism in humans 12 Impact of dietary and exercise interventions on brain insulin action and brain function 13 Pharmacological and surgical interventions to improve brain insulin resistance

Prof. Dr. André Kleinridders is Professor for Experimental and Molecular Nutritional Medicine at the Institute of Nutritional Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany. Dr. Kleinridders’ research program aims at understanding causes and consequences of brain insulin resistance with implications for diabetes, obesity and neurological disorders. His studies focus on in the interaction of mitochondrial function and insulin signaling and its consequences on energy homeostasis and behavior. Several publications establish Dr. Kleinridders’ unique research focus on the role of brain insulin in metabolic disorders.