Search

The widespread availability of energy-dense, rewarding foods is correlated with the increased incidence of obesity across the globe. Overeating during mealtimes and unscheduled snacking disrupts timed metabolic processes, which further contribute to weight gain. The neuronal mechanism by which the consumption of energy-dense food restructures the timing of feeding is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that dopaminergic signaling within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian pacemaker, disrupts the timing of feeding, resulting in overconsumption of food. D1 dopamine receptor (Drd1)-null mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity, metabolic disease, and circadian disruption associated with energy-dense diets. Conversely, genetic rescue of Drd1 expression within the SCN restores diet-induced overconsumption, weight gain, and obesogenic symptoms. Access to rewarding food increases SCN dopamine turnover, and elevated Drd1-signaling decreases SCN neuronal activity, which we posit disinhibits downstream orexigenic responses. These findings define a connection between the reward and circadian pathways in the regulation of pathological calorie consumption. • Diet-induced obesity (DIO) requires dopamine (DA)-Drd1 signaling • DA-Drd1 signaling in the central circadian clock (SCN) instigates DIO • SCN DA-Drd1 signaling disinhibits hedonic food consumption in between meals • Diet drives dysbiosis and peripheral circadian desynchrony independent of Drd1 Palatable diets rich in fat and sugar incentivize overeating, which leads to obesity. Grippo and Tang et al. discover a unique role for dopamine signaling in the central circadian clock that promotes overconsumption outside of mealtimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]