Molecular network of obesity: what does it promise for pharmacotherapy?

Abstract

There is growing evidence that receptors that respond to orexigenic and anorexigenic signals of respective neuropeptides are also implicated in cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor functions. How do these signals trigger a particular appetitive function while also acting in so different contexts in controlling non-appetitive behaviours? This perspective seeks an answer in their peculiar modular organization when each module planted in complex networks controlling appetite is also engaged in different domains. Network analysis may be essential in considering pharmacotherapeutic interventions and, in particular, when anticipating untoward central effects of agents explored from a therapeutic point of view.