Study wrapper · #959
A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex reveals neural mediators of the effects of cagrilintide on energy balance.
Ludwig MQ, Coester B, Gordian D, et al. Nature metabolism. 2026.
DOI: 10.1038/s42255-026-01539-3PubMed: 42260119
Editor's note
This mechanistic animal study builds a cross-species brainstem cell atlas and identifies Calcr/Prlh neuron populations as mediators of cagrilintide's effects on energy balance, distinguishing them from semaglutide's pathway. It is preclinical work in rodents and non-human primates, so findings are mechanistic rather than clinical. It offers a useful biological explanation for how the amylin agonist may act.
Plain-language abstract
Using brain-cell atlases from rats, mice, and macaques, researchers identified specific brainstem neuron populations that mediate cagrilintide's effects on food intake and body weight.
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